Sainsbury’s creates extra 5,000 Christmas jobs
Sainsbury’s is to create an additional 5,000 seasonal jobs this year as it looks to meet increased demand from customers over the busy festive period.
The new jobs are in addition to the 15,000 vacancies announced in September, which the retailer says were filled in recoird time.
Sainsbury’s chief executive, Justin King, said: “This year we’re recruiting an extra 20,000 people to ensure our customers get the best possible experience in store and online.
“It’s a chance for people to experience the fast-paced, varied and rewarding world of retail – whether they are simply looking for a bit of extra cash or want to build their experience and take a step towards permanent work.”
The supermarket is expecting that over 2,000 of the temporary roles will be made permanent, as it extends and opens new stores.
Customer service and colleague director, Gwyn Burr, said: “Seasonal colleagues carry out a number of key roles including customer service, working on check-outs, helping keep shelves full and assisting the online delivery teams as they prepare Christmas shopping orders. This is great experience to help people develop their career, many of our colleagues who started with us at Christmas are now in charge of large teams and budgets, helping to drive sales and deliver great service.”
The extra 5,000 positions will be advertised on the retailer’s website in the run up to Christmas, with employment starting in supermarkets in late November.
Sainsbury’s is aiming to create 50,000 new jobs by the year 2020. Industry data has shown that the supermarket increased its market share by 0.4% to 16.8% in the 12 weeks ending 28 October
