The festive hiring season is underway, with around 40,000 temporary positions currently open across the UK. Seasonal roles offer a chance to explore new sectors, gain diverse skills, and network, making them an ideal stepping stone for longer-term career opportunities. This week, we look at some of the most unique roles available this Christmas.
For those seeking something a little different, Warwick Castle is hiring 15 ice rink hosts and two ice rink team leaders. Applications can be made through the Merlin Careers website.
Cutter & Squidge, a luxury bakery now operating in John Lewis, is hiring 30 staff to meet seasonal demand for Christmas hampers and cakes. Co-founder Emily Lui shared, “We hire on a combination of positive attitude and energy rather than a whole host of qualifications… and a love of cake also goes a long way too!”
Christmas Grottos and Gift-Wrapping
Great Grottos is recruiting for elves, grotto managers, and Santas. Applicants must be over 28 for Santa roles, and both full-time and part-time positions are available with fortnightly pay.
If gift-wrapping is more your style, major department stores are looking for in-store wrappers. Roles are advertised at Selfridges and Harrods.
Cadbury World: Chocolate Creators Wanted
For a sweet opportunity, Cadbury World in Birmingham is hiring six retail hosts and 13 chocolate demonstrators, with some potential for permanent placement. Carmen Martin-Smith, now a chocolate creator, said, “If you are thinking of applying for an unusual Christmas job I would say definitely, give it a go… Plus, I get to work with chocolate every day, and who wouldn’t want that?”
Supermarket Roles for Team Players
Supermarkets are among the largest employers of Christmas temp staff. Tesco, for instance, is recruiting 26,000 helpers this season, with positions available in stores and for online packing. Alexandra Brown, Group People Services Director, said Tesco seeks people “who enjoy working as part of a team and are prepared to go that extra mile to help our customers.”
Aldi is hiring 3,500 seasonal staff with pay rates starting from £12.40 per hour, while Morrisons and Co-op are recruiting 3,000 and 400 new staff members, respectively.
Turning a Seasonal Job into a Permanent Position
With around one in five Christmas temps securing permanent roles, here are some tips from Department for Work and Pensions work coaches on making a lasting impression:
- Express Your Interest: Let your manager know if you’re interested in staying on after the season.
- Stay Positive: Approach every task with a can-do attitude and tackle challenges with determination.
- Show Initiative: When tasks are complete, ask colleagues or managers if there’s anything else you can help with.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input on your performance to demonstrate a commitment to improvement.
- Display Potential: Show enthusiasm for learning and ask about shadowing colleagues in departments of interest.
Delivering Christmas
Logistics firms also need additional hands for the holiday rush. DPD is hiring 200 warehouse operatives and drivers, and GXO has 1,500 positions available for various warehouse and driver roles. Meanwhile, Evri is recruiting 5,000 self-employed couriers, allowing for flexible working schedules across seven days a week.
For job-seekers looking to diversify their experience, this season offers a range of roles beyond the usual retail assistant – with the potential to turn festive work into a full-fledged career.
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