Sainsbury’s launches Christmas recruitment drive for 22,000 jobs

Sainsbury’s has kicked off its Christmas hiring four weeks earlier than last year, with roles available from today.

The grocery giant’s seasonal roles will include 14,500 jobs across Sainsbury’s and Argos stores, 500 of which will be customer and trading manager positions.

Sainsbury’s will also be recruiting for 3,000 online delivery drivers, 4,500 warehouse and logistics roles, including agencies and third parties, and 180 contact-centre staff.

The supermarket has launched a new payment incentive for online delivery drivers, which will see new and existing workers offered an additional £500 for fulfilling shifts in the run-up to Christmas.

Staff hired as part of this recruitment drive will be on fixed-term contracts, ranging from three to 12 weeks, until January 8 next year.

Sainsbury’s retail and digital director Clo Moriarty said: “We’re going all out to help our customers celebrate and make sure they have a great Christmas this year.

“By recruiting 22,000 temporary Sainsbury’s and Argos colleagues on an attractive pay package, incentivising online drivers and offering additional hours to existing colleagues over the festive season, we will deliver what our customers want: great food and fantastic service.

“Christmas is a fun time to work in retail for anyone who enjoys helping customers and thrives on working in an inclusive team environment.”

Business minister Paul Scully said: “The government is protecting, supporting and creating jobs across the UK through our plan for jobs and it’s great to see Sainsbury’s launching its biggest ever Christmas recruitment drive.”