Christmas Jobs

The festive season is fast approaching and Santa isn't the only one who needs extra help. Lifetracks.com goes on a mission to find the best Christmas jobs - Kerr-Ching!

"Of the 20,000 Christmas temps Salisbury's takes on this year, it estimates about 1000 will be retained permanently."

Who's hiring Christmas workers?

The most obvious Christmas jobs are in the retail industry. This Christmas Sainsbury's plans to recruit 20,000 seasonal employees, while ASDA is looking for at least 10,000 extra workers, in addition to its 10,000 returning seasonal staff. Tesco is hiring 6000 extra people and is looking to support the friends and families of its current employees by asking them to recommend someone who has recently been made redundant. Argos is planning to take on an extra 12,000 people.

It's not just retailers looking for more staff – the huge number of Christmas events means catering firms and hospitality outlets are also in need of extra people. Childcare centres may also take on extra helpers due to an increase in enrolments during holiday periods.

How should I apply?

You can apply online with most of the large retailers, but their websites are often nationwide and may not provide details about local openings. It's a good idea to visit stores close to you in person armed with copies of your CV, but avoid busy times such as evenings and weekends and you'll have a better chance at speaking with a manager. Most seasonal jobs don't begin until December, so November is the perfect time to start looking.

Where will it lead?

Sainsbury's will take on around 20,000 temporary workers this year, and it estimates about 1000 of these will be retained permanently. It has also launched a new programme called Try Before You Buy, which offers some seasonal workers the chance to train as department managers. Of the 9000 Christmas workers ASDA took on last year, 73% were aged 16 to 24, so it's a good opportunity for those looking for their first job.

Not all jobs will offer the opportunity to stay on after the holiday period. However, they'll still provide valuable experience to add to your CV and a good employment reference will definitely help you find a permanent job.

Will they take me if I'm a student?

Many retailers actually seek students as seasonal staff – not only are they available at the right times of year, they're often retained in a casual staff pool for subsequent holidays. While some employers may be more hesitant and prefer to take on people with the desire to stay on permanently, it's best to be up front about your situation. Both Sainsbury's and ASDA say a large proportion of their returning seasonal colleagues are students.

Does my Christmas job have rights?

Even if you're only employed temporarily, you are still entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage, which is £5.80 per hour for those aged 22 and over, £4.83 for those aged 18-21 and £3.57 for 16-17 year olds.

You are also entitled to paid holidays – currently 28 days per year for those in full-time employment - although the amount you'll receive will depend on how many hours you work each week, and your employment period. Businesses do have the right to decide when you can take these holidays, and it's possible if you're taken on for a short period, they'll ask you not to take any. In this case, they'll pay you for the holidays you've accrued when you finish up. If you earn over £95 per week and you're ill for more than four days in a row, you'll also be entitled to statutory sick pay.

How will Christmas work affect my other income?

If you're receiving Jobseekers Allowance, you will lose your entitlement if you start working more than 16 hours per week. However, there is a simplified process for reclaiming if it has been less than 26 weeks since your last payment, so getting your benefit back should be straightforward. Talk to your Jobcentre Plus about your individual circumstances. You may be eligible for a job grant and may continue to receive other benefits.

If you're a student and you expect to earn less than £6,475 from employment (not including student loans or grants) in the 2009/2010 tax year, you should ask your employer for a P38 form – this will allow you to have your wages paid without any tax deductions.

By Joanna Christie

Jargon Buster

Hospitality outlets:: Any job that involves welcoming and catering for guests, usually refers to cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Statutory sick pay:: Your legal entitlement to pay if you are off sick.

Update your CV – tailor it to the type of job you're looking for, then print off lots of copies to take with you when approaching employers.
Get your documents in order. Large companies perform thorough checks so have your educational qualifications handy and make sure details of your references are current.
Put the word out – personal contacts can be a useful source of information. Something as simple as updating your Facebook status to 'is seeking a Christmas job' could do the trick.
Dress to impress. Even if you're just dropping off a CV to a potential employer, make sure you're well presented.
Make a list of all local employers who may take on extra staff, from large retailers to small restaurants and local hotels. Print off a map, plan your route around them all and off you go!

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