Are you looking to earn extra income this festive season while making a genuine difference in your community? Each year, Royal Mail opens its doors to thousands of seasonal workers who help manage the incredible rise in parcel and letter deliveries during Christmas.
These temporary positions aren’t just jobs they’re a key part of delivering joy. Whether it’s a card from a loved one, a child’s eagerly awaited present, or a small gesture of kindness sent by post, Royal Mail delivers more than mail during Christmas it delivers connection and emotion.
The festive period is Royal Mail’s busiest time of the year, and the company relies heavily on a nationwide seasonal workforce to help manage the demand. These roles provide not only financial benefit but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to something bigger than yourself.
Why Does Royal Mail Hire Seasonal Staff Every Christmas?
During the Christmas season, Royal Mail sees a dramatic increase in the volume of post, with millions of items moving across the country daily. To maintain delivery standards and manage this surge, the organisation hires seasonal staff to support its core workforce.
This recruitment initiative includes thousands of roles in sorting centres, delivery routes, customer service hubs, and regional transport depots. From handling logistics to interacting with customers, every seasonal worker helps ensure gifts and greetings reach their destination in time.
Seasonal hiring is not a new practice custRoyal Mail has been doing it for decades. But the scale has grown significantly in recent years due to the rise in e-commerce, making festive recruitment one of the largest short-term employment drives in the UK.
What Seasonal Roles Are Available at Royal Mail?
Royal Mail typically offers four core seasonal positions across the UK: Mail Sorters, Parcel Delivery Drivers, LGV & MGV Drivers, and Customer Service Assistants. Each role supports a different area of the delivery network, but all are essential to ensuring a smooth festive operation.
Mail Sorter
Mail Sorters work within Royal Mail sorting centres, helping organise parcels, letters, and packages according to destination and delivery routes. This is a physically demanding role that requires standing and moving for long periods, but it’s ideal for people who enjoy structure and teamwork.
Parcel Delivery Driver
Delivery Drivers are responsible for bringing the festive cheer directly to people’s doors. These roles involve driving Royal Mail or Parcelforce vans on pre-set routes, delivering gifts, cards, and packages. A full UK driving licence is required, and applicants should be comfortable working independently outdoors.
LGV & MGV Driver
These drivers help transport large volumes of mail and parcels between regional hubs and processing centres. LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) and MGV (Medium Goods Vehicle) drivers play a crucial role in keeping Royal Mail’s national network running efficiently. These roles are managed through Pertemps, one of Royal Mail’s recruitment partners.
Customer Service Assistant
Customer Service Assistants work behind the scenes to support customers over the phone and via email. They help track deliveries, resolve issues, and provide clear communication to customers who are counting on Royal Mail during the holidays.
Each of these roles supports a different part of the delivery network, but all are equally important. Royal Mail’s seasonal workers help keep Christmas moving.
Who Can Apply for Royal Mail Christmas Jobs?
Royal Mail’s seasonal roles are open to a wide range of applicants, including students, part-time workers, retirees, and individuals between jobs. You don’t need extensive experience or formal qualifications for most roles. What matters most is your attitude and commitment.
Applicants must be over 18 for many positions, particularly those involving vehicle operation or heavy lifting. Most sorting and delivery jobs also require a level of physical fitness, as the roles involve manual handling and extended periods of walking or standing.
If you have a flexible schedule, enjoy active work, and want to be part of something meaningful this festive season, a Royal Mail Christmas job may be the perfect fit.
How Do You Apply for Royal Mail Seasonal Jobs?
The application process for Royal Mail’s seasonal roles is straightforward and completely digital. It has been designed to allow thousands of applicants to apply, be vetted, and start work with minimal delay.
| Step | Process |
| 1 | Online Application – Fill out a simple form on the official careers website. |
| 2 | Upload Documents – Submit your ID and supporting documents for digital verification via uCheck. |
| 3 | Job Offer – Accept your digital offer and provide necessary employment details. |
| 4 | Access Welcome Hub – Receive induction materials, shift patterns, and role expectations. |
| 5 | Start Work – Bring your documents on Day One and begin your seasonal journey. |
To search and apply for current seasonal roles, visit the official Royal Mail careers site: Search seasonal roles here
Where Will You Be Working as a Seasonal Employee?
Royal Mail’s Christmas recruitment spans the entire UK, with roles available in both urban hubs and regional sorting centres. Seasonal workers are typically placed at mail centres, parcel hubs, and delivery units where the demand for extra hands is highest.
As of 2025, several Seasonal Mail Sorter roles are currently available across the UK. These roles are offered on a casual basis and come with flexible shift options and varied hours depending on the location.
Below is a list of active job locations for Seasonal Mail Sorters:
| Location | Postcode | Job ID | Job Type |
| Chester | CH1 4PA | 330006 | Casual |
| Poole | BH17 0AA | 330015 | Casual |
| Aberdeen | AB12 3TT | 329957 | Casual |
| Rochester | ME2 2EE | 330029 | Casual |
| Northampton | NN7 4DE | 330113 | Casual |
| Truro | TR1 1AA | 330085 | Casual |
| Chelmsford | CM2 5AA | 329975 | Casual |
| Exeter | EX2 7XX | 330017 | Casual |
| Edinburgh | EH11 4YY | 330016 | Casual |
| Livingston | EH54 8AL | 330146 | Casual |
In each of these roles, seasonal workers are responsible for making sure every card, gift, and package gets to its rightful destination on time and with care. Royal Mail describes its seasonal team as the engine behind festive cheer, and each sorter contributes to a nationwide effort that truly matters.
If your preferred location isn’t currently listed, don’t worry. New locations are added regularly throughout the recruitment window. You can also check back on the Royal Mail Careers site for updates or explore flexible opportunities with Angard Staffing.
What Locations and Shifts Are Available?
Royal Mail operates across the entire UK, so seasonal jobs are available in most major towns and cities. However, availability varies based on demand in each area. While some roles are filled early, others are added later in the season, particularly in high-demand regions.
Royal Mail also offers a variety of shifts:
- Morning Shifts: Typically start around 6am
- Afternoon Shifts: Begin in the early afternoon and end by evening
- Night Shifts: Often run from 10pm to 6am, with higher pay rates
- Weekend Work: May be required depending on the role and location
Working hours will be clearly specified in each job listing. Flexibility is encouraged, and applicants who are open to various shifts are more likely to be selected.
What Can You Expect When You Join the Team?
Once you accept your job offer, you’ll gain access to Royal Mail’s digital Welcome Hub. This platform includes everything you need to prepare for your first day, including uniform information, job expectations, and training modules.
On your first day, you’ll receive your ID badge, and depending on the role, a high-visibility vest. Support is available throughout your contract from supervisors and team members to ensure you’re set up for success.
You’ll become part of a team that’s known for delivering more than parcels. You’ll deliver joy, reliability, and festive memories to households across the UK.
What Are the Typical Pay Rates for Royal Mail Christmas Jobs?
Pay can vary slightly by location and role, but seasonal positions generally offer competitive rates that reflect the increased workload during the festive period. Here’s an overview of common hourly rates:
| Role | Shift Type | Hourly Pay Range |
| Mail Sorter | Day | £11.40 – £12.50 |
| Mail Sorter | Night | £13.50 – £14.50 |
| Parcel Delivery Driver | Any | £12.29 – £13.90 |
| LGV/MGV Driver | Any | £13.00 – £14.50 |
| Customer Service | Any | £11.00 – £12.50 |
Exact figures will be listed in each job advert, and premium pay is often provided for weekend and overnight shifts.
Can a Seasonal Role Turn Into a Permanent Job?
Yes, many seasonal workers return year after year, and some go on to secure permanent employment within Royal Mail. If you enjoy the work and perform well, you’re encouraged to apply for open positions when they become available after the Christmas season ends.
Royal Mail values the contributions of its temporary staff, and many have launched long-term careers through their initial seasonal roles.
What If My Area Has No Available Roles?
If you don’t see your preferred location listed when applying, don’t panic. Royal Mail frequently updates its job listings throughout September and October.
You can:
- Check back regularly as roles are added weekly
- Explore flexible shifts and roles at Angard Staffing
- Apply through Pertemps for LGV and MGV driver vacancies
If you already work for Angard, simply update your availability in JoinedUp you do not need to submit a new application.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for a Royal Mail Christmas Job?
If you’re looking for a seasonal job that offers more than just a paycheque, Royal Mail Christmas jobs might be the ideal choice. These roles provide structure, purpose, and the chance to be part of something truly special during the holiday season.
By applying early, showing flexibility, and embracing the festive spirit, you can become part of a team that ensures millions of people across the UK have a brighter Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll need to upload clear digital copies of identity documents, such as a passport or driving licence, for verification.
When does Royal Mail begin hiring for Christmas?
Recruitment starts around mid-September and continues into October, depending on demand.
Can I apply for multiple roles?
You can only apply to one role and one location at a time. If you want to change, withdraw your current application before submitting a new one.
Are roles available in Northern Ireland?
Yes, but they are managed exclusively by Angard Staffing. Visit their website for current vacancies.
Will I receive training?
Yes. All seasonal staff receive induction materials via the Welcome Hub and hands-on guidance when they start.
Do I need experience?
Not necessarily. Most roles require a good attitude, reliability, and the ability to work as part of a team. Experience helps but isn’t essential.
How can I check my application status?
You can log in to your Christmas Candidate Profile to track your status, receive updates, or withdraw your application.
