Marks & Spencer has opened applications for its Christmas recruitment drive, with temporary workers sought across its UK stores ahead of the busy festive trading period. The retailer is inviting people to register their interest in seasonal positions supporting its food, clothing and home operations.
Pay and availability requirements
Christmas colleagues will help customers find products and support stores during one of the busiest periods of the retail calendar. M&S is offering seasonal workers £13.41 per hour, although individual contracts and shift patterns will vary by location.
However, applicants should be prepared for a busy festive schedule. The retailer said Christmas colleagues are expected to work full-time during the two weeks leading up to Christmas. Applicants must also be available to work on December 22, 23 and 24, which are traditionally among the busiest trading days for retailers.
Application process and career prospects
The recruitment process begins with an online application and assessment. Successful applicants will then be invited to an in-store interview or assessment centre. Candidates will also be asked to provide details of their availability as part of the application process.
M&S is highlighting its seasonal jobs as a potential route into a longer-term career with the retailer. One current team manager, Stuart, said he first joined M&S as a Christmas customer assistant in 2007. He subsequently worked across several stores before progressing into management, where he now leads a team of 25.
Wider festive recruitment
The retailer's festive recruitment comes as businesses across the UK begin increasing their seasonal workforce ahead of Christmas. Retailers typically rely on temporary colleagues to help manage increased customer numbers, higher demand and extended trading during the festive period.
M&S is not the only major retailer preparing for the Christmas rush. Boots is recruiting around 6,000 seasonal workers across its stores, warehouses and customer support operations. The John Lewis Partnership is also preparing to recruit more than 10,400 seasonal workers across the UK, with the company stressing that some of these positions can provide opportunities beyond the Christmas period.
For people looking for temporary work over the festive season, M&S's latest recruitment campaign provides an opportunity to earn £13.41 an hour while gaining experience with one of Britain's best-known retailers. Applications and further details about the available Christmas roles are available through M&S's careers website.
