Sainsbury's and Argos are recruiting 17,500 seasonal workers across the UK ahead of Christmas, in one of the biggest festive hiring drives on the high street this year. Applications opened on 5 October and remain open now, with roles available in supermarkets, convenience stores, Argos shops, warehouses and online fulfilment operations. The temporary jobs will help keep shelves stocked, pick online orders and support deliveries during the busiest weeks of the year for retailers.

What roles are available

The vacancies cover a wide range of work depending on location. In-store roles include Sainsbury's customer assistants, while Argos is hiring customer advisors and warehouse operatives. Driving roles are also open, with Sainsbury's customer delivery drivers and Argos delivery drivers among the posts on offer. Seasonal colleagues will be employed on fixed-term contracts lasting between four and 12 weeks, making the roles suitable for people looking for short-term work over the festive period rather than a permanent commitment.

Pay and perks

Pay varies by role and location. In-store jobs pay from £13.23 to £14.54 an hour, Argos driver jobs pay £14.23 to £15.54 an hour, and Sainsbury's delivery drivers earn £14.73 to £16.04 an hour. Every seasonal role pays at least £13.23 an hour, above the National Living Wage of £12.71. Seasonal recruits also get free food during shifts and a 10 per cent colleague discount at both Sainsbury's and Argos, rising to 15 per cent at Sainsbury's on Fridays and Saturdays. Tracey Clements, Sainsbury's chief retail, logistics and supply chain officer, said seasonal colleagues "help make it happen" at Christmas. Apply through the Sainsbury's Christmas Careers website or ask in store, and check each advert's closing date, as vacancies can close quickly once filled.

[Source: Sainsbury's Christmas Careers](https://www.sainsburys.jobs) | [Source: Employment4Students](https://www.e4s.co.uk/blog/student-jobs-news/sainsburys-and-argos-offering-17500-christmas-jobs-across-uk)