There will be 14,500 Sainsbury’s and Argos roles available in stores, including 500 customer and trading manager positions. There will also be 3,000 online delivery driver positions available, as well as 4,500 warehouse and logistics roles and 180 contact centre opportunities.

Jobs will be available across the country from 1 October, four weeks earlier than seasonal staff were recruited last year to help employees settle in before the Christmas shopping season. Temporary workers will work up until 8 January 2022 on fixed term contracts of between three and 12 weeks.

Sainsbury’s is also introducing a new incentive payment to recruit more delivery drivers for the festive season. Both new and existing drivers could earn up to an additional £500 for fulfilling shifts over the busy Christmas period.

Sainsbury’s is also offering extra hours to existing employees who may want extra work in the run up to Christmas.

Paul Scully, business minister, said: “The government is protecting, supporting and creating jobs across the UK through our Plan for Jobs and it’s great to see Sainsbury’s launching its biggest ever Christmas recruitment drive.

“These 22,000 jobs being created across the country mean more opportunities for workers and even better service for customers – enough to give Father Christmas some serious competition.”

Clo Moriarty, Sainsbury’s retail and digital director, said: “We’re going all out to help our customers celebrate and make sure they have a great Christmas this year. By recruiting 22,000 temporary Sainsbury’s and Argos colleagues on an attractive pay package, incentivising online drivers and offering additional hours to existing colleagues over the festive season, we will deliver what our customers want – great food and fantastic service.

“Christmas is a fun time to work in retail for anyone who enjoys helping customers and thrives on working in an inclusive team environment. If that’s what motivates you, we’re ready to welcome you to Sainsbury’s.”

To become a temporary worker at Sainsbury’s or Argos this Christmas, applicants should go online at sainsburys.jobs or visit their local store for more details.