TEIGNBRIDGE jobseekers have been given an early Christmas present by parcel carrier Yodel with its announcement of 137 full and part-time jobs in the area.

The business – it delivers more than 155 million parcels a year – is set to recruit 18 full-time directly employed drivers, 61 owner-drivers, 48 self-employed couriers and ten temporary staff.

They will be operating out of the depot on the Heathfield Industrial Estate near Bovey Tracey.

Staff will be taken on in other areas of the West country in preparation for this year’s festive period.

The jobs come at a time when the number of people out of work is increasing by 25,000 to 1.85 million.

Many of the jobs, which are seasonal positions, are expected to become permanent thanks to the number of new retailers joining Yodel.

Dick Stead, executive chairman of Yodel, said: ‘Our recent research has shown that the 2015 Christmas period is set to break the mould once again, with nearly four times as many people planning to take advantage of the Black Friday online promotions.

‘Our recruitment and training will support this demand and ensure that both our retail clients and their shoppers have an enjoyable Christmas.

‘Many of the vacancies are flexible and perfect for those who want to fit work around their families.’