Sainsbury’s will be hiring 20,000 more shop workers, warehouse staff and drivers for the Christmas period as the retailer prepares for festive shoppers.

Applications have opened for seasonal staff, who will be employed for up to three months during its busiest time of year.

The UK-wide roles will include 18,000 at Sainsbury’s and 2,000 at Argos.

The positions range from shop workers, including restocking shelves, staff in warehouses to pick and prepare stock, and drivers for home deliveries.

Staff will be employed on fixed-term contracts ranging from three weeks to three months.

Hourly pay for in-store and warehouse employees ranges from £12 to £13.50, depending on the location and the role, and between £13 and £14.65 for drivers.

Workers are also offered free food during shifts and a 10% discount across stores, rising to 15% every Friday and Saturday at Sainsbury’s and on pay day at Argos.

Prerana Issar, the chief people officer at Sainsbury’s, said: “As the festive season draws near, we’re getting ready to create a memorable Christmas for our customers – and our brilliant colleagues play a central role in bringing this to life.

“Joining us during this busy time is a fantastic opportunity to meet great people and acquire skills that will stay with you long after the festive season.”

Sainsbury’s is the UK’s second largest supermarket, behind Tesco, with about 1,400 supermarkets and local shops across the country.

It reported an increase in sales last Christmas, with customers buying record numbers of pigs in blankets, mince pies and sparkling wine.