Halfords wheels out temporary jobs amid big demand for bikes

In its latest results, the company reported a 148 per cent increase in online sales, including a 184 per cent rise in sales of electric bikes.

The temporary vacancies are in addition to the recruitment of a wide range of permanent service-related jobs across Halford’s stores, Autocentres and mobile vans.

Andy McBride, Halfords’ Group Head of Resourcing, said: “With the public turning to alternatives to public transport, this has led to extra demand for bikes and essential motoring services.”

Of the cycling demand, Paul Tomlinson, cycling director at Halfords, said: “There has been huge interest in cycling this year as the public seek alternatives to public transport and as a way of keeping fit.

“As a result we’ve seen a massive surge in demand and sales of bikes and cycling products.

“We have had tens of thousands of customers on waiting lists for deliveries and this has continued beyond the traditional summer peak, particularly for adult bikes as lockdown continues.

“Kids’ and junior bikes also appear to be one of the most wanted Christmas presents this year.

“We’ve also seen e-bikes perform particularly well as many discover the benefits of a battery-powered bike ride.”

Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps gave councils across England £175m to create safe spaces for cycling and walking.

He hopes the move will give people more opportunities to choose cycling and walking for their day-to-day journeys, as part of wider government plans to boost active travel.

Commitments include making cycle training available for every adult who wants it, setting new, higher standards for cycling infrastructure and boosting access to e-bikes.

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