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Finding Seasonal Temp Jobs at Christmas

Finding Seasonal Temp Jobs at Christmas

Kate Lorenz | Wednesday 19 November 2008 | 12:12

Need some extra cash?

For most people, Christmas really starts in October and ends in January. The Christmas shopping period is the peak retail season of the year, with shops becoming busier and staying open later. People out to “shop ‘til they drop” want food and drink to keep them going, so cafés and fast-food outlets also get busier, while bars and restaurants become more popular with people going to Christmas parties. All of which leads to a wide range of Christmas temping opportunities.

"People of all ages can benefit from the huge variety of temporary work on offer throughout the year," says Rebecca Clarke from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

So, exactly what is on offer in the run up to Christmas? Here are some suggestions to help you earn extra cash during this time.

Sales assistants

Seasonal Christmas staff positions start to become available as early as September and peak around November. Larger stores like Argos, Boots, Woolworths and Mark and Spencer usually always have Christmas vacancies. Argos, for example, creates approximately 24,000 temporary jobs in the run-up to Christmas, while Tesco has around 12,000 jobs and Currys around 3,000. Argos MD Sara Weller says, "It's absolutely key that we have enough staff to help with the increase in demand we generally see during the festive season.”

Expect: £5.35-£10.00 p/h + store discounts

Christmas catalogues and brochures

Many people like to shop from catalogues during this time and so some companies will pay you to deliver the brochures and catalogues from door to door. You may need to pay a small start up cost for your shoulder bag, training manual, the catalogues, etc.

Expect: 10 - 21% commission plus additional bonuses

Bar and restaurant work

Restaurants will employ casual waiting and bar staff during December and into the New Year to cope with the increase in visitors. Previous experience isn’t always necessary but be prepared to work long hours and often late nights, though you can arrange shifts. In addition to your wages, you also may get tips from happy customers.

Expect: £4.45-£6.00 p/h + tips

Postal worker

The term “postal worker” covers postmen and postwomen. There are usually job opportunities as a post or parcel sorter in the sorting office or out and about delivering the mail, letters and parcels. You may need a full, clean driving licence, unless your route means pushing a Royal Mail trolley or riding a bicycle. Royal Mail need around 20,000 additional staff though these jobs get a high volume of applicants, so apply early. This is a popular choice with students.

Expect: £154 - £320 p/wk, depending on number of hours

Father Christmas

Christmas would not be Christmas without Santa and his elf helpers. Garden centres, shopping malls and larger shops will often have vacancies for someone to give out presents to children, chat with them and pose for photographs by the grotto. You don't need a white beard and big belly to get employed - you'll get a false set of whiskers and a costume!

Expect: approx £9 p/hr

Getting paid

Dawn Primarolo, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) paymaster general, has declared, "Employers and employees need to remember that anyone working on a temporary or part time basis over Christmas is still entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage."

You should expect the same pay as a regular member of staff and a contract of employment, plus staff discounts, though terms of employment may differ. For example, you won’t be entitled to sick pay, a pension scheme or holiday pay. The income earned from your Christmas jobs, and any tips, should be declared on your income tax self assessment form in the paid employment section.

Don’t overlook the fact that the seasonal jobs market isn’t just a way to make a quick buck; it can even kick-start a career. Rebecca Clarke, of CIPD, adds, "Students gain experience of people skills needed in the work-place, while older people can often use knowledge from previous employment. Contacts made can also lead to permanent posts." For this reason you should approach Christmas jobs as you would any other work. Prepare for the interview by finding out about the organisation and the local company, dress smartly and be enthusiastic.

Looking for a seasonal temp job? Use Sky Careers extensive database to help you find one!

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