Marks & Spencer is set to hire over 11,000 new customer assistants in the UK for the festive season, marking an increase from last year.
- Recruitment begins on October 9, with new staff joining from mid-November, offering diverse roles and flexible working options.
- The new hires will support M&S’s Christmas food to order service, which commenced on 24 September.
- The operations director highlights the significance of these roles in enhancing customer experience during Christmas.
- Many seasonal workers at M&S transition to permanent roles, with opportunities for advancement post-Christmas.
Marks & Spencer, the renowned British retailer, has announced a significant recruitment initiative for the upcoming festive period, aiming to onboard over 11,000 new customer assistants. This drive surpasses last year’s figures, reflecting the retailer’s commitment to strengthening its workforce during peak trading times.
The recruitment process is scheduled to commence on October 9, and successful candidates will begin their roles from mid-November. These positions feature a variety of start dates, roles, and flexible working patterns to accommodate a wide range of applicants. Such arrangements underscore M&S’s dedication to providing adaptable employment opportunities.
These new employees are expected to play a pivotal role in the execution of M&S’s Christmas food to order service, which was launched on 24 September. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that M&S continues to deliver its hallmark service quality during one of the busiest times in the retail calendar.
Sacha Berendji, operations director at M&S, has emphasised the value that store colleagues bring in creating a magical Christmas shopping experience for customers. According to Berendji, “Our fantastic store colleagues play such a big part in delivering the magic of M&S at Christmas to our customers.” This statement highlights the integral role of customer assistants in the retailer’s overall strategy to enhance customer satisfaction during the holiday season.
Historically, many of M&S’s temporary employees during the Christmas period have transitioned into permanent roles, with some advancing through M&S’s internal development programmes. This trend illustrates the potential for career progression within the company, providing added incentive for prospective applicants.
This recruitment drive reaffirms M&S’s commitment to providing exceptional service during peak trading periods while offering meaningful employment opportunities.