Temporary employment continues to be a vital part of the job market, peaking at specific points throughout the year. While industries such as tourism and events see a surge in summer, the Christmas period stands out as the busiest time for temp work.
According to the Bank of England, a typical household spends £713 more than they usually do in December (about 29% more than a usual month). And with this festive rush comes a heightened demand for temporary staff, particularly in retail, logistics, and customer-facing roles, offering job seekers the chance to earn competitive pay while gaining valuable skills.
This year, retailers have stepped up their efforts to attract seasonal workers, offering attractive wages and perks to meet growing consumer demand. According to Oriel Partners, specialists in PA and temp recruitment, some of the UK’s biggest retailers are leading the way with competitive opportunities for temporary staff.
Here’s a closer look at the top seven retailers offering the best Christmas temp work opportunities this season, along with why temporary roles remain a great option for job seekers looking for flexibility and career development.
How Temp Work Peaks at Christmas
Temporary employment trends fluctuate throughout the year, responding to seasonal demands across different industries. While summer brings opportunities in hospitality, events and tourism, Christmas marks the peak for retail and logistics roles.
The reasons are clear: festive shopping surges, online orders skyrocket, and retailers need more hands on deck to ensure smooth operations. Warehouses require additional support to meet shipping deadlines, and shops rely on temp staff to keep shelves stocked, customers happy, and queues moving.
And this year is no different. According to Experian, UK retail is set to benefit from an extra £28 billion in spending during the ‘Golden Quarter’ (November to January), a £1.1 billion boost on last year’s sales.
This seasonal surge benefits both businesses and workers. Employers can scale their workforce efficiently without committing to long-term contracts, while job seekers can secure short-term work that offers flexibility, good pay, and the chance to step into thriving industries.
Top 7 Retailers for Christmas Temp Work
Oriel Partners’ research highlights the retailers offering the most competitive pay and appealing working environments this year. If you’re considering a Christmas temp role, here are the top seven employers of the moment:
| 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 ★ |
| Pets Corner | 33 | £11.60 | £382.80 | 3.1 ★ |
| Caffè Nero | 30 | £11.66 | £349.80 | 3.3 ★ |
| Primark | 25 | £12 | £300 | 3.6 ★ |
- Lush
Lush tops the list this season with an impressive hourly rate of £13.15. Known for its inclusive workplace culture and focus on ethical products, Lush offers temp workers a rewarding environment that values teamwork and positivity. - Smyths Toys
For those who enjoy a fast-paced and family-oriented workplace, Smyths Toys offers £12 per hour. Roles often involve assisting customers, restocking shelves, and ensuring that children (and their parents) have a joyful shopping experience. - Co-op
Co-op combines a strong hourly wage of £12 with reliable weekly shifts, making it an excellent option for those seeking consistent income. With its community-driven ethos, Co-op provides a supportive and inclusive workplace for seasonal staff. - Next
Next remains a popular choice for temp workers, offering £11.62 per hour. From stock replenishment to customer service, these roles provide excellent opportunities for gaining retail experience in a fast-paced environment. - Pets Corner
If you’re an animal lover, Pets Corner offers a unique retail experience with an hourly rate of £11.60. Roles typically involve assisting customers and ensuring stores are well-stocked and organised. - Caffè Nero
For those who thrive in customer-facing roles, Caffè Nero’s seasonal positions provide an hourly wage of £11.66. Temp workers here enjoy a dynamic, team-focused environment while helping customers get their festive caffeine fix. - Primark
With an hourly rate of £12, Primark provides flexible shifts in a busy retail environment. These roles are ideal for workers seeking part-time positions that fit around other commitments during the holidays.
For the full list of top retailers offering Christmas temp jobs this year, view Oriel Partners’ research here.
The Perks of Temporary Work
Temporary roles provide a range of benefits for job seekers, particularly during the Christmas period:
- Flexible Hours: Seasonal positions often offer part-time and shift-based roles, making them ideal for students, parents, or anyone balancing other commitments.
- Skill Development: Temp work builds valuable, transferable skills such as teamwork, customer service, and time management – all of which strengthen your CV.
- Good Pay and Perks: With retailers competing for talent, many seasonal roles now offer above-average hourly pay alongside perks like discounts and performance bonuses.
- Networking Opportunities: Temporary roles allow you to meet new colleagues and make professional connections that can lead to future opportunities.
- Pathways to Permanent Work: For those looking for long-term roles, temp work can act as a gateway. Employers often use the festive season to identify candidates who excel under pressure and offer them permanent positions.
How to Secure a Temp Role This Christmas
With the Christmas period being a peak hiring season, competition for the best temp jobs can be fierce. Here’s how to stand out:
- Apply Early: Businesses begin hiring for temp roles weeks before the festive rush begins. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a position.
- Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant skills such as customer service, teamwork, and time management. Employers value candidates who can hit the ground running.
- Be Flexible: Being open to evening or weekend shifts can make you a more attractive candidate for seasonal roles.
- Use Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like Oriel Partners can connect you with the best opportunities and streamline the application process.
For those seeking short-term roles with long-term potential, the festive season is the perfect time to step into temp work. Explore the full list of employers offering seasonal jobs by visiting Oriel Partners and make the most of this year’s opportunities.
