Mother Christmas figures and pantomine players are on a job market wishlist for the coming festive season.

Jobcentre Plus has published the 12 jobs of Christmas to help people into work this winter.

As well as the traditional Santa and his helpers, Christmas hamper packers, card sorters, pudding makers and party hosts could be festive options for job seekers.

David Anderson, chief executive of Jobcentre Plus said: “The festive months offer a whole host of job vacancies, making a now fantastic time of the year to look for new work.”