JCPenney holiday hiring plans slightly down from last year; to hold national event

JCPenney is trimming its seasonal hires this year.

The department store retailer said it is looking to fill nearly 22,000 positions this holiday season. By comparison, last year Penney put the call out for 25,000 seasonal workers.

The company is hosting a national hiring event, in stores and online, from Wednesday, Oct. 12 through Saturday, Oct. 15, at which it will offer employment on the spot. It noted that all hourly associates in all stores will receive premium pay for hours worked on Saturday and Sunday during peak holiday weekends, and Black Friday.

In addition, employees will have access to JCPenney’s new childcare benefit, which it is offering through a partnership with WeeCare.

“As our associates work hard to get America’s diverse, working families ready for the holidays, we are working hard to take care of you and are proud to offer premium pay to all hourly store associates, a great employee discount, plus access to unique employee benefits like WeeCare, a childcare services provider,” said Andre Joyner, chief human resources officer, JCPenney. “These seasonal positions open a world of opportunity to kickstart a career at JCPenney or simply to earn some extra money to help with holiday spending. Come join us - we’re excited for our JCPenney family to grow this holiday season.”

JCPenney has more than 650 stores and 50,000 employees.