Currys has announced it is recruiting around 1,000 seasonal workers for its 296 stores across the UK and Ireland ahead of the Christmas trading period.

The technology retailer said the first recruits will start on 11 October and their contracts will run until 2 January 2027.

Currys said 49 per cent of seasonal employees hired during last year's peak trading period were offered permanent positions after their contracts ended, illustrating how temporary festive roles can lead to long-term careers within the business.

The retailer has opened applications for the roles, with successful candidates receiving a two-day virtual induction before their first shift. The training programme aims to ensure new colleagues are prepared and familiar with the business before joining the shop floor.

Starting pay is £12.71 an hour, rising to £13.96 an hour in London stores.

Currys said the recruitment drive comes as many young people continue to face challenges entering the workforce. Citing figures from the Office for National Statistics, the retailer noted that more than one million people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were not in education, employment or training earlier this year.

The company said seasonal roles provide opportunities for people entering work for the first time, returning after a career break, seeking flexible employment around family or study, or looking to change careers.

Seasonal colleagues will support customers throughout the retailer's busiest period, helping shoppers choose, understand and set up technology products in stores.

“Every year, peak [season] gives people right across the country their first experience of the world of work or their way back into it,” said Caroline Hirst, chief people officer at Currys. “Almost half of last year's seasonal colleagues are still with us, and that tells you what a Christmas job at Currys can become.

“At a time when more than a million young people are locked out of education, employment or training, retail still has a job to do: giving people a genuine way into employment.”

Currys was one of several retailers to partner with the UK government to create jobs aimed at tackling youth unemployment earlier in September.

Other major retailers are also growing their staff ahead of the festive period. Earlier this month, the John Lewis Partnership announced plans to hire 10,400 seasonal workers ahead of the festive period.

Over half of the new vacancies will be at Waitrose, with 6,000 roles created for the supermarket’s 320 branches, with a further 2,600 at John Lewis stores and 1,800 across the Partnership’s supply chain and distribution centres.

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