The broader UK labour market remains cautious, with ONS data showing around 711,000 vacancies as of early 2026. But seasonal hiring follows its own rhythm. As we head into summer, hospitality, retail, and events businesses across the country are ramping up recruitment to meet the annual rise in consumer demand. Scotland and the South West are typically among the first regions to see listings surge, driven by early tourist season activity, and 2026 looks set to follow that pattern.
Hospitality and food service: hotels, restaurants, bars, and event catering significantly increase headcount to meet tourist demand
Retail: particularly in tourist destinations and city centres where footfall rises sharply from June through August
Tourism and leisure: attractions, holiday parks, and activity providers hire large numbers of seasonal staff each year
Education: schools complete most recruitment in late spring and early summer ready for the September term, making this a busy period for teaching and support staff roles
Events and festivals: the UK's busy summer calendar creates strong demand for logistics, operations, and front-of-house staff
If you have not started looking yet, now is the time. Popular roles in hospitality and events fill quickly, and employers in tourist destinations are actively recruiting right now.
Be flexible on hours. Employers value people who can work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
Treat temporary roles seriously. Many permanent positions in hospitality and tourism begin as seasonal contracts for candidates who perform well
Use platforms that surface your profile to employers rather than requiring you to apply to each role individually
The employers who secure the best seasonal staff are those who move quickly and make the process straightforward.
If you have not posted roles yet, do it now. The best seasonal candidates are already considering their options
Be upfront about hours, pay, and contract length from the outset. Transparency reduces drop-off during the process
Consider what you offer beyond pay. Flexible scheduling and a positive working environment are genuine differentiators for seasonal candidates
What does the UK summer jobs market look like in 2026?
Which sectors hire most in summer?
How do I find summer work in 2026?
When should employers start hiring summer staff?
How can employers attract the best seasonal candidates?
Which UK regions hire earliest for summer?
