One in four UK workers are taking up temporary work this Christmas to help cover extra seasonal costs, according to research by Indeed Flex.

The research showed that more than a third of workers expect the additional work to cover seasonal expenses (36%), while the same proportion expect it to cover Christmas costs and some household bills. Even full-time workers are feeling the pinch, with 19% picking up temporary work, Indeed added. Nearly half of workers temping this holiday season (44%) say they did not need to do any extra work last year.

Meanwhile, the main motivation for 20% of those doing temporary work this Christmas is rocketing food and energy prices, with electricity and gas costs still at an all-time high.

Temporary workers in the UK are also seeing their average pay rise faster than all other job roles. Separate data by Indeed Flex revealed that the hourly pay rates for temporary jobs listed on its platform surged by an average of 8.56% over the past year, which outpaced the ONS (Office for National Statistics) figure of 7.8% from June to August 2023.

Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex, said, “Christmas is often the most expensive time of the year, and with prices still significantly higher than last year, it’s no wonder that people are looking for temporary work to earn some extra cash. It's also peak season for employers, especially in hospitality, retail, and warehouses, who rely on temporary workers to ramp up operations during Christmas, meaning plenty of roles become available for those hunting for this type of work.”

Constare added, “But beyond the cash boost for the holidays, its flexibility also allows Brits to fit in shifts and extra hours around their existing job or responsibilities. The adaptability and flexibility of temporary workers have become a crucial support for businesses - but not just over the Christmas period. As many businesses continue to struggle with workforce shortages, more and more are turning to temporary workers. While they offer an immediate solution to staffing gaps, a substantial number choose to work with the same employer on a regular and consistent basis."