Flexible hours and longer-term prospects are key for temps taking on work over the Christmas period, according to research from Fish4jobs.

It found more than 50% of respondents are already likely to be looking for work at Christmas, with most looking for a minimum of between £5 and £6 per hour.

It also found that those jobs offering little flexibility in the working hours on offer, with no chance of work after January, are least likely to appeal, say candidates.

Sean Mahon, marketing director at Fish4jobs, says: “Candidates say they enjoy working between November and January because they’re busy and don’t get bored, and because of the festive atmosphere in-store.

“The survey tells us that most potential recruits use a mix of local paper adverts and online recruitment sites to source and apply for these vacancies.”

Respondents said that not being treated the same as permanent staff is the worst thing about working in stores at Christmas.