M&S recruits for Christmas spree

STRUGGLING Marks & Spencer is recruiting 3,000 part-time staff in London in a blitz to reverse its fortunes over the Christmas period. M&S hopes focusing on improved customer service will aid its attempted recovery after months of plunging profits.

It will recruit 20,000 extra temporary staff across the country, out of which some 2,900 workers will go on to shopfloors in London. More than 60,00 people are expected to apply for the jobs in the retail giant's 300 shops nationwide.

A spokesman said: 'This is a crucial time for M&S as the company continues to get back on track.' Although retail spending is holding up despite fears of recession, most observers expect security fears and economic anxiety will damage Christmas sales.

M&S said it is turning its performance around but signs of a recovery are limited. Clothing has been hard hit, with the Autograph range of designer clothes failing to woo shoppers.

M&S is piloting a scheme that will allow customers overseas to buy goods on its website, as long as they are delivered to a UK address. The trial is taking place in Canada and is part of a revamp of the company's
e-commerce site. The number of products available online has increased by 1,500 to 4,500.