15,000 roles are being created at Sainsbury’s, whilst there are also 2,000 roles at Argos and 1,000 in logistics.
The new temporary colleagues will offer assistance and support throughout Sainsbury’s and Argos stores, serving customers, keeping shelves stocked and picking, packing and delivering online orders.
Logistics colleagues will be working in warehouses and ensuring product arrives at stores across the country, ready for customers to purchase and enjoy.
A spokesman said: "Sainsbury’s is committed to offering leading rates of colleague pay and in September announced a second pay rise and a total yearly investment of £150 million. Sainsbury’s and Argos temporary Christmas store colleagues will join existing colleagues and receive the higher pay of £10.25 and £11.30 in London.
"And, as well as leading pay, colleagues who join Sainsbury’s and Argos for its peak season will benefit from a generous colleague discount card and free food during shifts for the first time."
And Angie Risley, Group HR Director for Sainsbury’s said: “We're thrilled to be able to welcome an extra 18,000 colleagues to our team to ensure we deliver the best possible service that we can to our customers this Christmas.
"Christmas is a special time of year but it’s also very busy, and with more customers returning to do more of their shopping in-store, this investment in service will ensure our customers can find whatever they need to celebrate this year both easily and conveniently.
“We know how tough it is for households at the moment, and as well as excellent value for customers we're committed to leading colleague pay, also.
"Our new higher base rate, colleague discount and free food during shifts ensures colleagues will be well-rewarded for all their hard work.”
Temporary colleagues will work up until 7th January 2023 on fixed term contracts of between three and 12 weeks. To become a temporary colleague at Sainsbury’s or Argos this Christmas, applicants should go online at sainsburys.jobs/christmas or visit their local branch for further details.