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Seasonal Job Trends in the UK: A Closer Look at 2024 Data

As the festive season unfolds, Christmas markets across Europe light up with charm, offering visitors a cozy atmosphere filled with mulled wine, festive treats, and sparkling decorations. But behind the scenes, it’s the hard work of seasonal staff that keeps the magic alive.

In the UK, the seasonal job market has shown a consistent trend, with searches for holiday-related work peaking each November. Yet, 2024 has brought a unique twist: while searches for seasonal jobs reached record highs, job postings have hit a record low.


Seasonal job search trends in the UK, highlighting peaks in November 2024 amid declining job postings.
Searching for a Christmas job in 2024? Seasonal job searchers are ar an all-time high, but posting are ar record lows.


Searching for a Christmas job in 2024? Seasonal job searches are at an all-time high, but postings are at record lows.

Understanding Seasonal Jobs

Seasonal jobs typically refer to roles with a short-term focus tied to holiday activities, such as retail and hospitality. According to Indeed, seasonal job postings include terms like “holiday,” “seasonal,” and “Christmas” in their titles. These roles often appeal to individuals looking for part-time work or supplemental income during the festive period.


Key Trends in 2024

  1. Record-High Searches:In 2024, seasonal job searches reached their highest level at 0.91% of all searches on Indeed, surpassing previous years. This reflects a strong interest among job seekers to earn extra income during the expensive holiday season.

  2. Record-Low Postings:Seasonal job postings as a percentage of total postings fell to just 0.77% in November 2024, the lowest figure recorded since 2018. This continued decline highlights cautious hiring by retailers amidst ongoing economic pressures.

  3. The Inflation Factor:Despite easing inflation rates, rising energy bills have pushed household costs higher, driving more people to consider temporary holiday work. Senior economist Jack Kennedy notes that financial strains are a significant motivator for job seekers this year.


Seasonal Hiring Patterns

Historically, seasonal hiring starts in late summer, accelerates through autumn, and peaks in November. While the UK sees a clear seasonal hiring trend, similar patterns in continental Europe are less pronounced, suggesting cultural and economic differences.



Top Employers for Seasonal Jobs in 2024

In 2024, the following companies stood out as top recruiters for seasonal roles:

  • Card Factory

  • Boots

  • M&S

  • JD Sports

  • The Perfume Shop


The Shift in Labour Dynamics

With job postings low and searches high, filling seasonal roles in 2024 may prove easier for employers. This imbalance points to a cautious approach by businesses, possibly influenced by the cost-of-living crisis and reduced consumer spending.


Why Seasonal Job Searches Peak in the UK

Seasonal job seekers often include students, young people, and individuals with caregiving responsibilities who value flexible, short-term opportunities. The strong demand for Christmas jobs in 2024 indicates that many households are looking to offset financial pressures during the holiday season.


The 2024 seasonal job market in the UK underscores shifting trends in holiday hiring. With cautious employers and motivated job seekers, the dynamics of seasonal work continue to evolve. While challenges remain, the resilience of the labour market ensures that the magic of the festive season is brought to life by those working behind the scenes.


Source: Euronews



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