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Wanted: over 4,000 turkey stuffers, mince pie chefs and Santa’s helpers

Thousands of seasonal jobs are yet to be filled as employers struggle to cope with the festive rush, according to research published today by job search engine Adzuna.co.uk.

The website claims it has seen an increase in demand for temporary workers in sales, hospitality, retail and customer service, with clear indications that employers are willing to pay 4% more than average for seasonal staff.

The Royal Mail & Sainsbury's top the list of Christmas employers this year, recruiting over 30,000 Christmas workers this winter between them.

Adzuna claims the best-paid seasonal jobs this year are GP locums and event managers receiving on average £1,500 per day. However, the worst paid jobs are Santa's helpers and gift wrappers.

Those looking for weird and wonderful jobs this Christmas should consider roles as Christmas tree designers or even mince pie chefs, says the website.

Andrew Hunter, Co-Founder of Adzuna, said: "Christmas, this year, will see the temporary and part-time employment market booming as businesses recruit extra staff to cope with the festive rush.

"Seasonal roles give candidates hard-to-find work experience which can lead to permanent job opportunities in the New Year - this is particularly important given the state of youth unemployment in Britain today."