Parcel delivery firm prepares for busy Christmas period, with nearly four times as many shoppers expected to swoop on Black Friday deals

The delivery firm Yodel is creating nearly 7,000 jobs in the runup to the festive season.

About 800 directly employed drivers will be taken on, as well as 3,000 owner-drivers and 3,000 self-employed couriers who will deliver and collect smaller parcels. Yodel said many of the jobs would become permanent after Christmas amid an increase in parcel deliveries.

Dick Stead, executive chairman of Yodel, said: “Our recent research has shown that the 2015 Christmas period is set to break the mould once again, with nearly four times as many people planning to take advantage of the Black Friday online promotions. Our recruitment and training will support this increased demand and ensure that both our retail clients and shoppers have an enjoyable Christmas.

“Many of the vacancies are flexible and perfect for those who want to fit work around families, or who have retired but want to remain active and earn some extra cash. Others are full-time and we expect many people to stay on beyond peak season.”