As we approach the festive season, the outlook for seasonal hiring in 2024 is not as bright as many had hoped, despite a surge in job seeker interest. According to data from Indeed, there has been a 12% decline in job postings for temporary positions compared to the previous year, even as searches for these roles have increased by 24%. This shows a heightened demand for holiday work, with Christmas jobs making up 0.7% of all searches on the platform.
“Employers are gearing up ahead of the traditionally busy Christmas trading period, though the seasonal ramp-up has been sluggish compared to recent years. That may reflect caution among some employers amid an uncertain economic climate.” said senior economist Jack Kennedy.
Experts at Indeed have cautioned that job seekers aiming to supplement their income during this busy period may face greater challenges in finding suitable roles. Although inflation rates have decreased, many households continue to grapple with the effects of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which has made financial circumstances more precarious.
However, the mismatch between available seasonal positions and the increasing number of job seekers means securing holiday roles could be tougher than in previous years. Kennedy advises those looking for seasonal work to act quickly and apply early, as competition for positions is likely to be fierce.
High-street retailers are leading the charge in seasonal hiring this year, with companies such as Card Factory, Dunelm, and Boots among the primary employers seeking temporary staff. The most significant demand comes from retailers specializing in greeting cards, home goods, cosmetics, jewellery, food and drink, and clothing.
When comparing the current hiring landscape to previous years, excluding the pandemic-affected year of 2020, 2022 had the lowest level of seasonal hiring at this time in October. This year’s trend raises concerns for jobseekers who typically rely on these positions to make ends meet during the festive season, making it essential for them to act swiftly in securing employment.