15th Oct 2026 08:11
(Alliance News) - Seasonal jobs in the UK over the festive season have been described as subdued despite strong interest from candidates.
Jobs site Indeed said the number of seasonal posts on offer was 43% below the 2018 level.
Jobseeker searches for Christmas work accounted for 0.6% of all searches on Indeed in recent weeks, among the strongest early-October figure since 2018.
Jack Kennedy of Indeed, said: "Subdued seasonal hiring echoes a generally weak UK labour market.
"Seasonal job postings remain low even as searches for Christmas work are among the strongest for early October since at least 2018.
"For people relying on seasonal work to help manage household costs at an expensive time of year, that could mean greater competition for available roles.
"Hiring demand remains muted across most parts of the economy, while cost-of-living pressures persist amid rising inflation.
"The data suggests that young people and other jobseekers looking for a temporary bridge into work are facing a narrower set of opportunities."
By Alan Jones, Press Association Industrial Correspondent
Press Association: Finance
source: PA
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