Amid tight labor market, Target to hire fewer seasonal workers this year

Amid a tight labor market during the COVID-19 pandemic, Target Corporation announced Thursday it is planning to hire about 30,000 fewer seasonal workers this year.

The Minneapolis-based retailer stated it will instead offer more hours and flexible scheduling options to current employees.

"We have worked to provide our team members with more consistent schedules, which means more consistent paychecks and a more consistent way to manage their life," Melissa Kremer, chief human resources officer with Target, said in a statement. "Additionally, we are offering more hours to team members who want them and continuing our important investment in training and development."

Target plans to hire about 100,000 seasonal workers nationwide — including 5400 at its Twin Cities stores — this year to supplement its current workforce. The retailer also announced many seasonal workers will have the opportunity to remain with Target following the holiday season.

All workers will earn at least $15 per hour.

Interested candidates can find information about the application process here.

Many U.S. employers have struggled to fill jobs this year and have introduced measures such as increasing hourly pay and announcing signing bonuses.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.