More people are searching for Christmas jobs than ever before, according to recruitment site Indeed.

The company has seen a 5% increase in searches for Christmas-related roles this year, with shops and retailers in need of staff the most over the holiday season.

While interest has never been so high among jobseekers, the number of seasonal jobs available seems to be falling – with 3% fewer positions posted this year.

Workers can expect to earn over €18 an hour working in Ireland’s retail industry in the run-up to Christmas and there is even more available for those willing to help pick up the slack for Santa this year.

Employers are offering Santas up to €25 an hour to leave the North Pole behind and take up some extra seasonal work before the big day.

Meanwhile, Santa’s helpers can expect to earn up to €15 an hour – and slightly more if they have photography skills.

Elves are somewhat lower down the salary scale with roles advertised at €12.90 an hour.

Shoppers under the Christmas lights on Grafton Street in Dublin, 23-12-2021. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

On Breakfast Business this morning, Newstalk Business Editor Joe Lynam said most of the seasonal jobs are all about the big Christmas shop.

“The businesses with the highest share of seasonal ads are of course retailers,” he said.

“The top five include Boots, Rituals, Carraig Donn, Card Factory and Pandora – but also, the posh ones like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger are advertising jobs.”

Meanwhile, seasonal jobs in the hospitality sector are being advertised at around €15 per hour.

St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin, 03-12-2018. Image: Xinhua/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images

Indeed said hiring for the festive season generally starts in August and peaks in November of every year.

Senior Indeed Economist Jack Kennedy said: “Employers in Ireland are gearing up ahead of the holiday season, though Christmas job postings are pacing slightly behind previous years.”

“The available part-time roles are likely to be filled more easily this year given we are seeing a greater share of seasonal job searches than has been experienced in previous years.”

He said retailers are hoping the cost-of-living measures announced in Budget 2025 will lead to an increase in spending this Christmas.

On the other hand, those same cost-of-living pressures are prompting more people to seek part-time work over the holidays.