The demand for temporary workers has reached its peak this festive season. From busy retail stores to booming online operations, businesses have been ramping up their teams to deliver exceptional service during the Christmas rush. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation labour market tracker revealed 178,048 job postings in retail roles in the UK in November 2024.
For job seekers, this means an excellent opportunity to earn extra income, develop new skills and enjoy flexible work arrangements.
Research conducted by Oriel Partners, specialists in PA and temp recruitment, reveals the best-paying retailers hiring for Christmas jobs this season. With the recent budget announcement encouraging consumer spending, businesses have been working towards attracting top-quality seasonal workers.
Whether you’re a student looking for flexible shifts, a parent balancing family commitments, or someone seeking extra income, temp work this Christmas offers competitive pay and valuable experience. Let’s explore the top retailers that have led the way…
Why Christmas Temp Jobs Are in High Demand
The festive period is the busiest time of year for businesses, particularly in retail, logistics, and customer-facing roles. And this year is no different. The Guardian reports a 5% rise in Christmas spending, driven by premium food, clothing and technology.
The increase in shopping – both in-store and online – has created a surge in demand for seasonal workers. Businesses rely on temporary hires to manage everything from stocking shelves and handling deliveries to ensuring customers receive excellent service.
As businesses prepare to meet this demand, many are investing in seasonal staff by offering competitive wages and attractive perks.
“We’re seeing retailers prioritise seasonal hiring to ensure they meet customer expectations while offering workers some of the best rates in recent years,” explains Olivia Coughtrie, Director at Oriel Partners. “The festive period offers job seekers a fantastic opportunity to secure flexible roles, develop valuable skills, and earn well in a short period of time.”
Google Trends data reveals that searches for “Christmas temp jobs” have been at their highest since winter 2019, as more candidates seek seasonal roles to supplement their incomes.
Top Retailers for Christmas Temp Jobs
Oriel Partners’ research highlights the best-paying retailers hiring temp workers this Christmas. These roles come with strong hourly rates, reliable shifts, and workplace perks, making them ideal for those looking to make the most of the festive season.
| Retailer | Weekly Hours | Hourly Rate | Weekly Pay | Glassdoor Rating |
| Lush | 40 | £13.15 | £526 | 3.4 ★ |
| Smyths Toys | 40 | £12 | £480 | 3.7 ★ |
| Co-op | 39 | £12 | £468 | 3.7 ★ |
| Next | 36 | £11.62 | £418.32 | 3.5 ★ |
| Dunelm | 20 | £12.05 | £241 | 3.7 ★ |
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these retailers stand out this year:
- Lush
With an hourly rate of £13.15, Lush tops the list for competitive pay. Known for its vibrant and inclusive workplace culture, Lush offers a rewarding environment for seasonal workers. If you’re passionate about ethical products and excellent customer service, this is the perfect role to gain retail experience while earning well. - Smyths Toys
Smyths Toys offers £12 per hour and is ideal for those who thrive in fast-paced, family-friendly environments. Roles often involve stocking shelves, assisting customers, and creating a joyful experience for families during the holiday season. It’s a great way to earn while spreading Christmas cheer. - Co-op
With hourly rates of £12 and reliable weekly shifts, Co-op combines great pay with a community-focused work environment. Temp staff play an essential role in supporting stores during busy periods, handling customer service and stock management. - Next
Next provides a strong balance of flexible hours and competitive pay, offering £11.62 per hour. Seasonal roles typically involve stock replenishment and assisting customers, giving workers an excellent opportunity to build their skills in a well-respected retailer. - Dunelm
Dunelm’s seasonal roles, with hourly pay of £12.05, are perfect for those looking to gain retail experience in a supportive team environment. Their temp positions focus on customer support and stock handling, making them a great option for job seekers of all backgrounds.
Why Temp Roles Offer More Than Just Pay
While the financial benefits of Christmas temp jobs are a significant draw, the opportunities extend far beyond earning extra income. These roles provide:
- Flexible Schedules: Many positions offer part-time or shift-based work, making them ideal for those balancing studies, family life, or other commitments.
- Skill Development: Temp jobs allow workers to gain valuable experience in customer service, teamwork, and time management – skills that enhance any CV.
- Career Opportunities: Many seasonal roles lead to permanent positions. Businesses often identify hardworking individuals during the festive period and offer long-term roles.
- Networking: Working in busy team environments introduces temp workers to new professional contacts and potential future employers.
Oriel Partners’ Olivia Coughtrie highlights: “Temporary roles aren’t just about earning extra cash. They provide a chance to develop skills, gain confidence and connect with employers who value hard work and enthusiasm.”
Seize the Opportunity This Festive Season
Christmas temp jobs are a win-win for both businesses and workers. With top retailers like Lush, Smyths Toys, and Co-op offering competitive wages and flexible schedules, there’s never been a better time to step into a seasonal role.
Beyond the financial rewards, these roles provide a chance to develop valuable skills, explore new industries, and open doors to future career opportunities.
For job seekers looking to make the most of the festive season, Oriel Partners’ research highlights the best opportunities available this year. Start your search now for your next temp role!