Debenhams, the British department store, is seeking to recruit 680 temporary staff to work in its 11 shops in the Republic and five in Northern Ireland in the run up to Christmas.

Successful candidates will work in the shops from mid-November until the beginning of January. Roles are varied and include everything from stock handling and general sales advisor jobs to gift advisor roles.

The retailer is hoping to re-employ some of the staff who worked for it during the same period last year.

Chris Paton, Debenhams Sales Director Ireland said: "These jobs are sure to be welcomed by local economies during what is always an expensive time of the year for people."

The company is recruiting directly through its website. See debenhams-jobs.com for details.

Separately, games retailer Gamestop said it would hire 140 part-time seasonal staff for their 55 stores across Ireland for the Christmas season. The company is taking applications through its website www.gamestopjobs.ie.