Tesco, the United Kingdom's largest supermarket chain, has opened its Christmas recruitment drive for 2026. In an announcement on 2 October 2026, Tesco said it would take on more than 28,000 temporary colleagues for the festive season, with roles across the country in its Superstores and Extra stores and a smaller number in distribution centres.
Tesco was founded in 1919 as a market stall in London's East End and today runs around 4,500 stores in five countries, with more than 330,000 colleagues working across the group. The Christmas roles are temporary Festive Colleague jobs — serving customers on the shop floor, replenishing shelves and picking online grocery orders for home delivery — and they are a good way into the company, as temporary colleagues may move into permanent roles where vacancies become available after Christmas.
No previous retail experience is needed and no CV is required to apply. Interviews of around 30 minutes are already being held, and roles are still open in November 2026. Read the full list of roles, the pay rates, the requirements and how to apply below.
Available Job Vacancies:
Tesco is hiring for the following temporary roles across the United Kingdom:
- Festive Colleague — Superstores and Extra stores across the UK (28,000+ roles)
- Festive Colleague — Distribution centres (a smaller number of roles)
Festive Colleagues mainly work in stores, serving customers on the shop floor, replenishing shelves and picking online grocery orders for home delivery. A smaller number of the 28,000+ roles are based in distribution centres. Roles have been released across locations through October and are still open in November 2026, so check the careers website for the stores near you.
Job Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following requirements to apply for these roles:
- No previous retail experience is required
- No CV is needed to apply
- You must have the right to work in the United Kingdom
- Flexibility to work shifts including early mornings and evenings during the festive period
- A friendly, customer-focused attitude for store roles
Salary and Benefits:
Festive Colleagues are paid £13.28 per hour across the UK and £14.55 per hour inside the M25, with an extra £2.35 per hour for night shifts. Shifts are flexible, including early mornings and evenings.
Temporary colleagues who perform well may move into permanent roles where vacancies become available after Christmas. Colleagues also get access to Tesco's benefits package, which supports their wellbeing from day one.
How To Apply:
Applications are made online only, through the official Tesco Careers website. Follow these steps to apply:
- Step 1: Open the official Tesco Careers website using the APPLY NOW button below.
- Step 2: Search for "Festive Colleague" and enter your town or postcode to see the roles near you.
- Step 3: Choose the store or distribution centre role that suits you and complete the short online application — no CV is needed.
- Step 4: If shortlisted, attend the interview of around 30 minutes at your chosen store.
Roles are released across locations through the season and are filled as applications come in, so apply early while the stores near you still have openings. Apply only through the official Tesco Careers website. Never pay anyone for a job, and never share bank details with anyone offering Tesco jobs.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How many Christmas jobs is Tesco offering in 2026?
Tesco is taking on more than 28,000 temporary Festive Colleagues for the 2026 festive season, mainly in Superstores and Extra stores across the UK, with a smaller number in distribution centres.
How much does Tesco pay Festive Colleagues?
The pay is £13.28 per hour across the UK and £14.55 per hour inside the M25, with an extra £2.35 per hour for night shifts.
Do I need experience or a CV to apply?
No. No previous retail experience is required and no CV is needed to apply. You apply online through the Tesco Careers website by searching for "Festive Colleague" with your town or postcode.
Can a Christmas job at Tesco become permanent?
Yes. Temporary colleagues may move into permanent roles where vacancies become available after Christmas.
Is there a closing date for Tesco Christmas jobs?
No closing date has been stated. Roles are released across locations through the season and filled as applications come in, so it is better to apply early while the stores near you still have openings.
