Who's hiring Christmas workers?

Despite the gloomy economic situation, there's still an abundance of Christmas jobs to help boost your pressie fund.

The most obvious Christmas jobs are in the retail industry. This year Marks and Spencer are offering 15,000 full and part time seasonal jobs, and Debenhams are advertising for 6,500. Sainsbury's plan to recruit 15,000 seasonal employees while ASDA is looking for at least 7,000 extra staff. Tesco is hiring 10,000 Christmas workers, and Argos plans to take on an extra 12,000.

And if you don't fancy retail, there are still other opportunities for Christmas-career hunters. The Royal Mail needs 15,000 Christmas casual shift workers to help them during their busiest period. And Whitbread need 1,000 more people to waitress at their restaurants.

Also, the huge number of Christmas events means catering firms and hospitality outlets are also in need of extra people. Childcare centres may also take on extra helpers due to an increase in enrolments during holiday periods.

How should I apply?

You can apply online with most of the large retailers, but their websites are often nationwide and may not provide details about local openings. It's a good idea to visit stores close to you in person armed with copies of your CV, but avoid busy times such as evenings and weekends and you'll have a better chance at speaking with a manager. Most seasonal jobs don't begin until December, so November is the perfect time to start looking.

Where will it lead?

Lots of seasonal workers for retail chains are offered the chance to further their career. So if you're looking at something more permanent than just boosting your festive spending money, take advantage of any training schemes that are offered to you.

Not all jobs will offer the opportunity to stay on after the holiday period. However, they'll still provide valuable experience to add to your CV and a good employment reference will definitely help you find a permanent job.

Will they take me if I'm a student?

Many retailers actually seek students as seasonal staff - not only are they available at the right times of year, they're often retained in a casual staff pool for subsequent holidays. While some employers may be more hesitant and prefer to take on people with the desire to stay on permanently, it's best to be up front about your situation. Both Sainsbury's and ASDA say a large proportion of their returning seasonal colleagues are students.

Does my Christmas job have rights?

Even if you're only employed temporarily, you are still entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage, which is £6.08 per hour for those aged 21 and over, £4.98 for those aged 18-21 and £3.68 for 16-17 year olds.

You are also entitled to paid holidays - currently 28 days per year for those in full-time employment - although the amount you'll receive will depend on how many hours you work each week, and your employment period. Businesses do have the right to decide when you can take these holidays, and it's possible if you're taken on for a short period, they'll ask you not to take any. In this case, they'll pay you for the holidays you've accrued when you finish up. If you earn over £97 per week and you're ill for more than four days in a row, you'll also be entitled to statutory sick pay.

How will Christmas work affect my other income?

If you're receiving Jobseekers Allowance, you will lose your entitlement if you start working more than 16 hours per week. However, there is a simplified process for reclaiming if it has been less than 26 weeks since your last payment, so getting your benefit back should be straightforward. Talk to your Jobcentre Plus about your individual circumstances. You may be eligible for a job grant and may continue to receive other benefits.

If you're a student and you expect to earn less than £7,475 from employment (not including student loans or grants) in the 2011/2012 tax year, you should ask your employer for a P38 form - this will allow you to have your wages paid without any tax deductions.

Updated: 11/11/2011