A MAJOR department store in Oxford has launched a recruitment drive to try and cover its Christmas period.

John Lewis & Partners in the Westgate Centre wants to fill 27 temporary positions as it gears up for the busiest time of the year.

Roles are available in the Christmas shop as well as home, fashion and technology departments and behind-the-scenes jobs.

Julie Blake, branch manager for John Lewis & Partners Oxford said: "Christmas is the most important and exciting time of year at John Lewis & Partners.

"We're looking for people who will give our customers the special service they come to us for; whether they want help finding gifts or picking up a click and collect order.

"The successful applicants will join fellow partners in creating an unique Christmas shopping experience for our customers."

Many retailers and restaurants in the new centre struggled to recruit staff in the run up to its opening in October 2017 due to the high cost of living in Oxford.

To apply for the roles see jlpjobs.com