Sainsbury’s is set to hire 18,000 additional seasonal staff this Christmas to help its workforce across Sainsbury’s and Argos stores, as well as supply chain and logistics.
The 18,000 roles consist of 15,000 at Sainsbury’s, 2,000 at Argos and 1,000 in logistics. The temporary staff will work in stores, warehouses, and fulfilling online orders.
The seasonal hires will be paid at the same rate as permanent staff, who receive a minimum £11.30 an hour in London and £10.25 an hour elsewhere in the country, having received their second rise of the year last month.
They will work up until 7 January 2023 on fixed-term contracts of between three and 12 weeks, Sainsbury’s said.
They will also benefit from a staff discount card and free food during shifts.
“We are really excited to be able to welcome an additional 18,000 colleagues to our team to ensure we deliver the best possible service to our customers this Christmas,” said Sainsbury’s group HR director Angie Risley.
“It is a special time of year but it’s also busy, and with more customers returning to do more of their shopping in-store, this investment in service will ensure customers can find whatever they need to celebrate this year easily and conveniently.
“We know how tough it is for households right now and as well as excellent value for customers we are committed to leading colleague pay. Our new higher base rate, colleague discount and free food during shifts ensures colleagues will be well-rewarded for their hard work.”
Sainsbury’s seasonal recruitment drive is not as big this year as last, when it hired 22,000 temporary staff.
It comes as new research suggests retail staff are “overworked and underappreciated”. The 18,000 temporary roles consist of 15,000 at Sainsbury’s, 2,000 at Argos and 1,000 in logistics.
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