As millions click to complete their online grocery shops, few consider the army of workers racing through aisles to assemble their orders. This Christmas, Tesco enlisted 28,500 casual workers as temporary 'Dotcom pickers' to handle the festive frenzy, and one has shared an eye-opening glimpse into this high-pressure world.
The Grind Behind The Groceries
Operating from a store open to the public, rather than a remote fulfilment centre, this picker describes being 'in the trenches'. The pace is relentless, with a target to collect 185 products per hour – roughly three items every minute. Their performance is constantly tracked by an electronic 'pick stick', which monitors speed and efficiency.
The role involves more than just picking, however. "The only signs that I’m on the clock are the pick stick in my hand and the sweat on my brow," the worker told The Times. They are often stopped by confused shoppers, and while obliged to help, it's agonising to watch the pick stick's status bar slide from blue to red as precious seconds tick by.
Hilarious Insights Into Customer Lives
To break the monotony, the picker entertains themselves by imagining the personalities behind each order. Some baskets tell particularly vivid stories. "One Saturday not long ago someone had ordered two bottles of vodka, a bottle of whisky, four beers, a loaf of bread and, very wisely, two packets of paracetamol," they recalled, calling it simply good planning.
However, the award for the most hilarious order went to a customer who requested four bottles of pinot grigio, a cucumber, and a bottle of personal lubricant. Such combinations provide unexpected laughs during a demanding shift.
A Festive Job: Pay, Perks, and Pressure
The job is not highly paid. A series of early shifts, from 6am to 2pm, can net a worker around £1,000 per month. Tesco generally opens applications for these seasonal roles at the end of September, offering a rate of £12.64 per hour and flexible shift patterns. The recruitment process involves an online application followed by a short 30-minute interview for promising candidates.
While not all seasonal staff wear a uniform, Tesco advises practical clothing and sturdy shoes for the physical work. Despite the tough targets and public interruptions, the anonymous employee found the experience rewarding. "It’s a happy, humorous and intense experience," they said, adding, "It’s an active job and the time flies like no other job I’ve had."
For thousands, this role is the unsung engine of the UK's festive online shopping boom, offering a unique, fast-paced window into the nation's shopping habits – and sometimes, its weekend plans.
