RETAILER Argos has begun the search for extra staff to work in its Hampshire stores over the Christmas period.

The move comes after Business South revealed that high street chains Woolworths and Boots said they would be recruiting workers for the festive season.

Milton Keynes-based Argos, which is owned by FTSE 100 Index listed GUS, said the 21,000 jobs nationally would be part-time roles lasting about two months.

The company has stores in Hampshire, including Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Fareham and Totton.

About 18,000 posts will be customer-facing, with another 3,000 jobs in the company's distribution network.

Argos hopes to take on some of the recruits on a permanent basis in the new year. Under a campaign slogan of Lasting Impressions, Argos will put up posters in its 539 stores and use local advertising to appeal for the temporary staff.

Argos's managing director Kate Swann said: "Temporary staff play a vital role in helping customers get the goods they want and the service they expect at Christmas, and this year we are recruiting more staff than ever before."

Across the UK, Boots is planning to take on an extra 5,000 temporary workers and encourage desk-bound staff on to the shop floor during the Christmas rush.

Meanwhile Woolworths said it planned to recruit an extra 6,000 staff and introduce 1,000 more tills to help out over the Christmas period.