Temporary Christmas staff reduce levels of service, according to research by psychometric assessment firm SHL Group.

It found that one-third of customers think short-term staff taken on by retailers reduce service levels.

One in three said temporary staff were more likely to call in sick, and 41% admitted they were far more likely to avoid responsibility in a temporary job.

SHL director Eugene Burke says: “Our research shows that there is a worryingly high level of dissatisfaction among the spending public when it comes to the service provided at Christmas.

“HR directors should ensure that they can screen out applicants with little desire to do well in the role.”