Royal Mail is set to hire a record number of temporary workers this Christmas to handle increased cards and parcels.

The postal service seeks 33,000 temporary employees during the festive season, which is two-thirds more than usual.

It uses 15,000 to 23,000 extra staff from October to January to help sort extra parcels, cards and letters sent during the Christmas period.

Seasonal workers will support the 115,000 permanent postmen and women who deliver mail sorts throughout the year.

Here’s what you need to know about Royal Mail’s recruitment drive.

Why are there so many jobs this year?

Christmas has always been the busiest time of the year for the postal service – but as more people shop online due to the corona virus pandemic and families break up due to social distance, Royal Mail expects an even bigger jump in the post this year.

Sally Ashford, Chief HR Officer, Royal Mail, said: “We believe that the delivery of Royal Mail is crucial in these unprecedented times.

“We do our best to deliver Christmas to our customers and to support efforts to prevent the spread of the disease,” he said.

“It helps the whole country to celebrate and stay safe during these difficult times.”

How many jobs are available?

Other jobs include 13,000 mail center sorting posts in England, 1,400 posts in Scotland, 700 posts in Wales and 500 posts in Northern Ireland.

Royal Mail’s new Covid-19 testing kit collection team will require additional manpower.

How can I find a job?

Those wishing to apply should visit Royal Mail’s Christmas Recruitment Page Or call the Automated Helpline on 0345 600 1785.

The website allows you to search for jobs by keywords and locations, making it easy to find available locations near where you live.

According to the company, it is more important to be an “active”, “detail-focused” worker than to have previous experience. Although those who have previously worked in a warehouse or have done sorting work are welcome to apply.

Achieve the speed of Royal Mail’s delivery centers and you can stay longer.

Pay may vary depending on where you work and experience. However, according to the estimated salary from the 37 employees at the work site of course Christmas temporary workers can be paid $ 10.64 an hour, which is more than the national living wage.