Many businesses including retail outlets and supermarkets offer additional Christmas work in the build up to the festive period. Sometimes places that are busier at these times such as restaurants and bars will also offer additional employment opportunities.

Traditionally these are very short-term contracts often starting mid-November and ending in the new year, and they can be quite popular with students for the fact that they can fit it in around term time. It can however be a great employment opportunity for those looking for full time work as if you get on well with the temporary contract you already have a foot in the door do to speak when it comes to being considered for a more permanent role. It also looks good on your CV to have a period employment rather than a gap.

Christmas hours tend to be fairly well paid as the hours can be quite unsociable and could involve you working right through the festive period. If your young and you don’t have family near by it can be a great way to fill up the time and build up a bit of money too so it’s certainly worth considering.

If you are already in employment and you are considering taking on additional work over Christmas then it’s important to remember that you would be taxed on any additional earnings therefore it could work out not so cost effective for you. If in doubt contact HMRC or do an online calculation to see how much tax you would pay.

If you are receiving any benefits or tax credits you would also need to check that these wouldn’t be effected as HMRC will take any income into account when reviewing your entitlement.