Royal Mail is delivering a welcome jobs boost as it stages a major recruitment drive ahead of the festive season.

Temporary positions across a variety of shifts will be available from late October through to early January.

The peak of the additional temporary work will be in the busiest month of December.

Parcelforce Worldwide is also looking for drivers and indoor workers as the organisation gears up for the Christmas rush.

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said: “Christmas continues to be our busiest time of year. We plan all year round to ensure we deliver the best possible service for consumers and businesses before, during and after the festive season.

“We continue to make this substantial commitment in additional resources, including the recruitment of temporary workers, to ensure we can continue to deal with the huge amount of festive parcels, cards and online shopping orders we will be asked to deliver for our customers.”

Royal Mail has set up a dedicated website for people to apply for the Christmas positions, which can be visited at https://christmasrecruitment.royalmailgroup.com.

Anyone who would like more information or to apply for a job can also call the automated helpline on 0345 600 1785.