Express parcel carrier Yodel said it would create 2,950 new jobs to handle volumes during the Christmas peak.
The new roles comprise of 2,500 self-employed courier positions, as well as 450 positions at Yodel itself, including couriers and parcel sorters across its 50 locations in the UK.
Total online retail sales in August were 46.8% higher than in pre-pandemic February – and pre-pandemic February had higher online sales than November and December in 2019, according to the ONS.
Mike Hancox, Chief Executive of Yodel, said: “The ongoing growth in online retail is set to continue into the festive season as consumers flock to buy gifts for friends, family and loved ones.
“We’re expecting this peak period to be higher in intensity and longer in duration than ever before as people look to prepare for Christmas earlier.”
