Parcel carriers DPD and Interlink are to create 900 temporary jobs in the run-up to Christmas.

The jobs will mainly be for drivers and sorters across both firms.

The recruitment drive comes as parent company GeoPost UK anticipates a record number of parcels coming through its service, as consumers turn to internet shopping. DPD’s Predict service, which gives customers a one-hour delivery window, has also boosted the company’s business.

"In the run up to Christmas last year we sorted 15 per cent more parcels than in the same period the previous year, and in 2012 we expect another significant increase,” chief executive Dwain McDonald said.

GeoPost has already created more than 500 jobs this year.