Debenhams Announces 9000 Festive Jobs Up for Grabs

LONDON, ENGLAND, October 02, 2010 (Press-News.org) Debenhams announced that it is on the lookout for 9,000 seasonal temps to cope with its busiest time of year; Christmas.

Although the number of positions has increased, the number of hours remains the same. The retailer has altered its recruitment strategy by searching for more part-time roles. This emphasis on flexible shift patterns will ensure additional staff are in store whenever customers need them.

The jobs will be split across Debenhams' 160 outlets and average out at 56 per store. The jobs are based in menswear, womenswear, accessories, childrenswear, home, gift or cosmetics departments. 

Roles available are varied and include everything from stock handling and general sales advisor jobs to gift advisor roles which require special training.

While previous retail experience isn't essential, excellent customer service and team working skills are.

Michael Sharp, Deputy Chief Executive at Debenhams, said: "These jobs are sure to be welcomed by local economies during the most financially challenging part of the year.

"Our recruitment drive is so huge that for the first time we have trained a manager in all 160 stores to oversee staffing for Christmas.

"We are recruiting directly through our website and looking for energetic people with a talent for customer service."

Minister for Employment, Chris Grayling, said: "These new vacancies are a great boost for job seekers, and flexible working patterns mean they can be family friendly too.

"We are committed to injecting new life into the private sector and this is another example of how employment in this sector is growing."

Contracts will be for flexible working hours with the majority of positions running from November through to January, when the majority of customers will be carrying out their Christmas shop or indulging in the January sales.

More information and application forms can be found on www.debenhams-jobs.com or by contacting the local store.

Notes to Editors:
Debenhams is committed to ensuring that every individual connected with the Company - whether employee, applicant, customer or other third party - receives fair and equitable treatment, regardless of their differences

The policy helps Debenhams create a culture of respect and tolerance, a wider and more diverse talent pool from which the company can recruit the best possible people for its business, and support its corporate reputation by ensuring it gives excellent customer and employee experience.

Debenhams recognises that few people would deliberately breach the policy, however, it is possible to do so unintentionally.  It is therefore everyone's responsibility to familiarise themselves with these guidelines.

About Debenhams:
Debenhams is a leading department stores group, and has a strong presence in key product categories including women's fashion, menswear, women's boots, home ware and children's wear with a number of Debenhams deals also on offer.