Tips on How to Find Seasonal Work in the UK

Seasonal work in the UK offers great opportunities for short-term employment during the summer and winter months. These roles are an excellent way for UK students and graduates to earn extra cash during their breaks. From flexible positions that fit around your schedule to opportunities that provide valuable work experience, seasonal jobs are worth considering to boost both your skills and your bank balance.

In this article, we cover:

• Top UK jobs for summer and winter

• The best types of seasonal jobs

• How to create a good CV for a seasonal position

• Where to find seasonal work in the UK.

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What are the advantages of seasonal jobs?

Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or international looking for part-time jobs, getting a work visa is usually straightforward. Seasonal jobs can provide numerous benefits, whether you’re seeking paid experience or volunteer opportunities.

• Flexible employment options allow you to choose short-term assignments that align with your availability. This can be particularly advantageous for students, retirees, or individuals seeking additional income during busy holidays.

• If you have no experience, seasonal jobs are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in various industries. Whether you're interested in hospitality, retail, agriculture, or tourism, seasonal jobs offer the opportunity to learn new skills.

• It can boost your employment prospects by introducing you to diverse people, including co-workers, customers, and supervisors. Networking can be valuable for your future career or for finding long-term employment opportunities. Learn more about the different ways job hopping can benefit your career growth.

• It allows you to explore different jobs and industries without a long-term commitment. It's an excellent way to discover what you enjoy and where your talents lie. Seasonal jobs can become more permanent side-hustle jobs or even full-time positions.

Top UK summer jobs

• Festival staff (ticketing, bar work, or event setup)

• Hospitality roles such as barista or catering assistant

• Retail assistant in busy summer sales

• Beach lifeguard

• Fruit picker on local farms

• Hotel receptionist or concierge

• Tour guide for local attractions

• Waitstaff or bartender in seaside restaurants

• Housekeeper for vacation rentals or resorts

• Outdoor adventure guide (kayaking, hiking, or biking tours)

• Ice cream shop server

• Cruise ship staff (entertainment, food service, or guest services)

• Amusement park attendant or ride operator

• Event planner assistant for summer weddings or festivals.

Top UK winter jobs

• Christmas market stall assistant (selling gifts, crafts, or festive foods)

• Retail assistant during the busy Christmas shopping season

• Barista or café staff in winter venues

• Ski resort staff

• Event crew for festive light trails and winter fairs

• Warehouse or delivery driver during peak online order periods

• Hotel or lodge receptionist in winter holiday destinations

• Seasonal chef, cook, or catering assistant

• Festive performer

• Hospitality staff for Christmas and New Year’s Eve events

• Tour guide for city lights, historic walks, or Christmas markets

• Customer service assistant in transport hubs during the holiday rush

• Winter grounds maintenance or snow-clearing staff

What are the best types of seasonal jobs?

Businesses often require additional support during busy times, especially during the holidays. This makes it an excellent opportunity to earn extra money or gain valuable work experience. Summer and winter jobs in the UK are also a fantastic way to boost your English language skills while working. With plenty of opportunities available, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular types of summer and winter holiday roles.

1. Retail

The retail sector experiences multiple peaks throughout the year, making it one of the most reliable sources of seasonal employment. While the Christmas and New Year period drives the biggest surge in hiring, summer sales and back-to-school promotions also create plenty of opportunities.

• Positions such as sales associates, cashiers, and customer service representatives become plentiful as stores prepare for increased customer traffic.

• For example, major retailers like John Lewis, Tesco, and M&S often hire seasonal staff to assist with the busy shopping period.

Refer to our retail CV writing guide to ensure your application stands out.

2. Hospitality and tourism

The hospitality and tourism sector thrives on seasonality. During the summer, hotels, resorts, and restaurants are busier thanks to holidays and festivals. In winter, demand rises again with Christmas parties, festive markets, ski resorts, and New Year celebrations.

• Hotel chains like Premier Inn, Hilton, and Travelodge often seek additional receptionists, housekeeping staff, and event coordinators.

• Restaurants and catering services, such as Wetherspoon and Compass Group, commonly hire waitstaff, bartenders, and kitchen assistants to manage the holiday rush.

• Companies like TUI and local tour operators often need seasonal tour guides, travel agents, customer service representatives, and airport support staff.

For more tips, refer to our hospitality CV writing guide.

3. Agriculture

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider agricultural jobs in the UK. Agricultural work provides opportunities throughout much of the year, although most activity occurs in the spring, summer, and early autumn. Farms and horticultural businesses depend on seasonal workers to meet demand for planting, harvesting, and packing.

Common roles include:

• Fruit picking (such as strawberries, apples, or berries)

• Vegetable harvesting

• Livestock care

• Winter maintenance, animal feeding, and preparing for spring planting.

These jobs offer physical activity, a connection to nature, insight into sustainable farming, and the chance to support the UK’s agricultural sector.

For more inspiration, refer to our gardener CV and vet CV writing guides.

4. Events

Events and festivals create a steady flow of temporary jobs across the UK all year round. The summer months bring music festivals like Glastonbury and Reading, sporting events, and outdoor fairs, while the winter season features Christmas markets, light trails, theatre productions, and festive celebrations.

Popular roles include:

• Helping organise large-scale festivals

• Managing logistics for outdoor events

• Providing on-site support, such as guest management, stage setup, catering, or technical assistance.

These temporary roles offer an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a vibrant environment.

For more tips, check out our event manager CV writing guide.

5. Delivery, logistics, and warehouse roles

During peak periods, especially summer sales, Black Friday, and the Christmas rush, businesses need extra hands to manage deliveries, stock, and warehouse operations. These roles are ideal for those who enjoy a fast-paced, organised environment and can be physically active.

Common roles include:

• Warehouse operative or picker/packer

• Delivery driver or courier assistant

• Stock replenishment or inventory support

These jobs offer valuable experience in logistics, time management, and teamwork, as well as insight into how goods move from suppliers to customers. They’re particularly suitable for candidates looking for flexible hours and short-term contracts.

For more inspiration, refer to our warehouse CV writing guide.

6. Seasonal childcare and tutoring

Childcare and tutoring opportunities often arise during school holidays, including summer camps, after-school programmes, and winter holiday workshops.

Common roles include:

• Summer camp assistant or leader

• Holiday programme instructor

• Tutoring or teaching support

These roles are ideal for candidates with experience in childcare, education, or sports coaching. They provide hands-on experience in teamwork, leadership, and communication, while helping children stay engaged and active.

For more inspiration, refer to our teacher CV and nanny CV writing guides.

7. Outdoor adventure and sports roles

Active seasonal opportunities are available throughout the year, from summer adventure camps to winter ski resorts.

Common roles include:

• Summer: kayaking or sailing instructor, hiking guide, adventure camp leader

• Winter: ski or snowboarding instructor, mountain guide, snow sports assistant

These positions are perfect for individuals who enjoy outdoor work and have strong leadership, communication, and safety awareness skills. They offer a chance to develop resilience, teamwork, and customer service experience in dynamic environments.

For more inspiration, refer to our personal trainer CV and sports CV writing guides.

How to find seasonal work in the UK

If you're looking for part-time seasonal work in the UK, there are plenty of opportunities across various industries. Whether you're a student, someone seeking extra income, or simply exploring new experiences, the following resources can help you get started:

1. Season Workers: This is a great platform for finding seasonal jobs in industries like tourism, hospitality, outdoor adventure, and more. It is perfect for those seeking work in ski resorts, summer camps, or holiday parks.

2. Employment 4 Students: Designed with students in mind, E4S lists flexible, seasonal roles in retail, customer service, hospitality, and events, ideal for balancing work with studies.

3. DWP Find a Job: An official government resource to search for seasonal roles across the UK, from temporary retail positions to agricultural harvesting jobs.

4. Young Capital: This site focuses on summer jobs and internships. It offers roles in sectors like logistics, sales, and event staffing, helping you build work experience.

5. Local job fairs: Many towns and cities host seasonal job fairs, especially before peak hiring periods like Christmas or summer. Check local council websites or community boards for upcoming events. For more tips, check out our guide on the best job fairs in the UK.

6. Retail and hospitality chains: Major retailers and hospitality brands, such as Tesco, John Lewis, Starbucks, and Premier Inn, often hire temporary staff during busy periods. Visit their careers pages for openings.

7. Speciality recruitment agencies: Agencies like Blue Arrow and Adecco specialise in connecting job seekers with temporary and seasonal roles across various industries.

By exploring these resources, you’ll find various flexible options for your skills, availability, and interests. There's something for everyone, from part-time retail jobs during the holidays to outdoor adventure roles in the summer!

5 tips on how to create a good CV for seasonal employment

When creating a CV for seasonal jobs, it’s essential to tailor it to the specific role you’re applying for. Keep these key strategies in mind, as they will help you improve your CV for seasonal work:

1. Emphasise relevant skills

Highlighting the right skills on your CV is crucial to showcase why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. Focusing on abilities that align directly with the role not only captures the employer’s attention but also quickly establishes your suitability. To make a strong first impression, consider featuring these key skills prominently in your personal profile.

• Tailor your skills to match the job description.

• Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate these skills.

• Use action verbs to describe your abilities (led, managed, developed).

• Prioritise your most relevant skills at the top of your CV.

• Include measurable results to show impact, like "increased sales by 20%".

2. Showcase transferable skills

Highlight transferable skills from your past jobs that can be valuable in a seasonal position, showcasing your adaptability.

• If you have experience in hospitality, highlight skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving for roles in event staffing, food service, or retail.

• Time management and organisation skills from office or administrative work are valuable for logistics or holiday planning roles.

• Customer service experience is a strong asset for sales, tourism, or front-facing seasonal jobs.

Check out the top skills employers are looking for to tailor your application better.

3. Highlight volunteer experience

If applicable, mention any volunteer work that showcases relevant abilities or commitment, as this can strengthen your application. If you volunteered at a local charity during a busy season, describe your role and the skills you developed, such as organisation and time management, which are essential for seasonal jobs.

• Describe how your volunteering experience made an impact, such as supporting a successful event or helping a busy team during peak times.

• Mention any responsibilities that mirror the role you’re applying for, like handling customers, managing time-sensitive tasks, or assisting with logistics.

• Highlight your motivation and commitment, showing that you’re someone who steps up and delivers, even without financial incentive.

4. Include relevant hobbies and interests

If applicable, highlight volunteer work that demonstrates key skills or dedication to a cause, as this can enhance your application.

• Organising events: Highlights leadership and planning skills, demonstrates strong coordination, and shows initiative.

• Volunteering at an animal shelter: Demonstrates compassion, reliability and highlights responsibility.

• Playing team sports: Showcases teamwork, cooperation, and discipline.

• Having creative hobbies: Demonstrates creativity, attention to detail, and initiative.

Check out our guide on including hobbies and interests in your CV.

5. Write a tailored cover letter

Pair your CV with a good cover letter that showcases your interest in the job and explains why you're the ideal candidate.

Considering seasonal work abroad? Take a look at these language-specific CV examples to get started:

• German CV

• French CV

• Spanish CV

• Portuguese CV

• Italian CV.

Seasonal work essentials

• Seasonal work is a great way to gain practical experience, develop transferable skills, and earn extra income.

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to each role: highlight relevant experience, skills, and enthusiasm for the specific season or industry.

• Show initiative and flexibility: employers value candidates who can adapt quickly and handle busy periods confidently.

• A personalised cover letter helps you stand out by demonstrating genuine interest and understanding of the role.

• Use each seasonal role as a stepping stone to build your professional network and strengthen your long-term career prospects.

Next steps?

Kickstart your job search with our CV templates or customise one of our CV examples to suit your needs. Pair your CV with one of our cover letter templates for a complete application. For personalised assistance, explore our CV Writing Services and get expert guidance on your career documents. To further improve your job-seeking strategy, explore our articles on school-leaver opportunities and find out why you might be struggling to get interviews.

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FAQs

How much do seasonal workers get paid in the UK?

Seasonal workers in the UK are typically paid at least the National Minimum Wage, which depends on age. From April 2025, the rates are:

• £12.21 (aged 21 and over)

• £10 (aged 18 to 20)

• £7.55 (aged under 18)

• £7.55 (apprentice rate)

For more insights, explore our article on the average salary in the UK.

Is the UK seasonal visa still available?

Yes, the UK Seasonal Worker visa is available for those coming to work in horticulture or poultry production for up to 6 months.

What is a Seasonal Work Visa in the UK?

The Seasonal Work Visa in the UK allows foreign nationals to come to the country for a limited time to work in specific sectors, primarily agriculture and hospitality, during peak seasons. This visa typically permits individuals to work for a designated employer for a maximum duration, often up to 6 months.

For more insights, explore this article on job opportunities for international students in the UK.

Is working seasonally worth it?

Yes, seasonal work can be highly rewarding. It offers the chance to gain valuable experience, develop transferable skills, earn extra income, and explore industries you might not have worked in before. Seasonal roles can also be a fun, social experience, especially in hospitality, tourism, or events, and they may even lead to long-term opportunities if you perform well.

Check out this article on the highest-paying jobs in the UK.

What are the disadvantages of seasonal work?

Seasonal work offers many advantages, but it also comes with its challenges. Most positions are temporary, providing limited job security. The hours can be long, unpredictable, and physically demanding. Wages are often hourly or at minimum levels, with few benefits like paid holidays or sick leave. Additionally, competition for sought-after seasonal roles, particularly during summer festivals or the winter holiday season, can be intense. If you're just starting out, check out our guide on how to land your first job.