Australia Post is recruiting more than 4000 workers to help deliver an expected record load of parcel deliveries this Christmas.

“This is a record-breaking recruitment drive for what we expect to be a Christmas unlike any we’ve had before in Australia Post’s history,” Executive General Manager for People and Culture Sue Davies said on Thursday.

The agency wants to hire 2900 casuals and 300 full-time and part-time workers in Brisbane, regional South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland.

It also wants another 900 workers to fill roles across its customer service network.

The news will come as a welcome boost for some of the hundreds of thousands Australians who have found themselves in the ranks of the unemployed through no fault of their own.

“A lot has been expected of our people this year,” Ms Davies said in a statement, referring to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff had adapted to COVID-safe requirements, including a reduced workforce in the Melbourne facilities during its recent lockdown.

“Our people have gone over and above … and delivered for over 8.1 million households who have shopped online between March and August alone,” she said.

Last year, Australia Post received more than 23,000 applications for Christmas casual positions.

Earlier this year, more than 50,000 people applied for 1000 casual positions created to cope with the increased volume of parcels during the pandemic.

Competition for positions is expected to be fierce.

-with AAP