HUDDERSFIELD retailers have recruited scores of extra workers to cope with the Christmas trading rush.
About 200 temporary workers have joined permanent staff at stores across the town centre and at nearby retail parks.
Major retailers including Woolworths, Argos, Boots, Beatties, Comet, BhS, Marks and Spencer and Matalan are among those taking on seasonal staff.
Scores of jobs are also being advertised by supermarkets, small shops, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs.
Retailers have been seeking extra sales staff, cashiers and people to work in stockrooms.
Beryl Price, employer accounts manager for Huddersfield JobCentre Plus, said: "A lot of retailers began recruiting for Christmas staff in October.
"It has become a regular local employment trend in the autumn and winter."
She said applicants for temporary posts included students, older workers and women wanting to earn extra for Christmas.
She added: "Seasonal jobs provide good work experience - and there is always the possibility that some people will be kept on after Christmas on a permanent basis."
The value of seasonal work was also highlighted by the National Council for Work Experience, part of the Higher Education Careers Service.
Council director Liz Rhodes said Christmas work gave students the chance to improve their communication skills, learn how to deal with customers, experience team working and get involved in decision-making.
She said: "There is far more to be gained from the experience than just pounds and pence.
"Whatever the work, valuable lessons can be learned - putting people ahead in the eyes of permanent employers a little further down the line."
