M&S to take on 20,000 staff for Christmas rush

Yesterday M&S said it was launching a nationwide recruitment drive for its 712 stores in the UK and Ireland to boost its workforce during the busy festive period.

The firm said that last year saw more than 29 million customers visit its stores in the week before Christmas.

The group, which also took on 20,000 extra staff last Christmas, said many of its seasonal recruits go on to pursue careers with the company, with 23 per cent of its retail graduates having started as short-term workers.

M&S retail director Steve Rowe said: "We offer an excellent benefits package, and all our new recruits take part in a two-day induction training session so that they are fully-equipped to ensure our customers receive the best possible service."