Tesco customers will be given a helping hand with their Christmas shopping this year by over 15,000 additional festive staff.

Most will start in stores across the UK from the start of December, and work across a range of departments. Nearly 60,000 people were interviewed for the roles.

Tony Hoggett, UK chief operating officer of the supermarket chain, said: “Our colleagues are already doing a wonderful job getting ready for the festive season and with our additional Festive Colleagues joining them in store, we’re ready to help our customers every step of the way this Christmas.”

Thousands of Tesco office staff will also work in Tesco stores over the festive period as part of the grocer’s ‘Feet on the Floor’ programme.

‘Feet on the Floor’, which runs between Halloween and Christmas, is an opportunity for all Tesco colleagues to ‘share experiences and work together at a crucial time of year, ensuring the best possible customer service’.

Tesco head office employees are set to work the equivalent of 10,000 days in stores over the next six weeks.