Sainsbury's launches huge Christmas jobs recruitment drive - how to apply

Supermarket Sainsbury’s has kicked a Christmas hiring spree - with 19,000 temporary jobs on offer.

The grocery giant has 17,000 roles available, with another 2,000 workers needed at sister chain Argos.

The launch of the firm's nationwide recruitment drive comes as other retailers ramp-up staff numbers ahead of what is their busiest time of the year.

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And with money tight for many, it is a good time for those with spare hours to earn some extra cash during what is traditionally an expensive few months ahead.

Sainsbury’s says it needs an army of extra festive workers to fill shelves in stores, man the tills, work in warehouses and to deliver to homes.

Pay varies depending on the role and the location, but in-store jobs range from £12.60 to £13.85 per hour, the same for warehouse role, Argos driver get £13.60 to- £14.85 an hour, with Sainsbury’s drivers on £14.10 to £15.35.

In addition, Sainsbury’s says staff will get free food during shifts and eligible recruits get a 10% discount at Sainsbury’s and Argos, rising to 15% every Friday and Saturday at Sainsbury’s, and on payday at Argos.

Seasonal workers will be employed on fixed-term contracts ranging from four to 12 weeks. To apply, visit: https://sainsburys.jobs/christmas.

Tracey Clements, chief retail, logistics and supply chain Officer at Sainsbury’s, said: “Christmas is when customers count on us most and our colleagues play a vital role in making it truly special.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of new team members to help us deliver great-tasting festive products, unbeatable value and brilliant service across our stores, fulfilment centres and out on the road, delivering to customers in communities across the UK.

“Whether joining us for the first time or returning to share the festive spirit once again, we’re proud to grow our team for the most exciting time of the year.”

Sainsbury’s is just one of a large number of retailers that have announced festive recruitment drives, or which will be soon.

High street giant John Lewis has already begun hiring a record 13,700 Christmas workers. The John Lewis Partnership has kicked off its biggest ever recruitment ahead of the busy festive shopping season.

Seasonal roles will include 3,000 across its 35 John Lewis stores, 8,500 within Waitrose shops and nearly 2,200 across its warehouses and supply chain network.

Marks & Spencer is also after temporary staff who are expected to work full time in the final two weeks before Christmas, and be available on December 22, 23 and Christmas Eve.

Tesco is another industry giant on the look out for extra workers over the busy festive period. Britain’s biggest supermarket says staff will get a salary of £12.64 an hour, rising to £13.85 if they are working inside the M25. There is also a night premium of an additional £2.35 per hour.

It's not just retailers that need extra staff at this time of year either. Royal Mail has also started its annual recruitment campaignto cope with the busy festive season for Christmas cards and parcels.