PARCEL firm Yodel is to create hundreds of new jobs across Scotland in time for Christmas.

The independent courier company is recruiting for 651 full and part time jobs across Scotland including in Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Perth.

This includes 107 drivers who will be given branded uniforms and a liveried van, and 232 drivers who would be required to own their own can.

An extra 217 self-employed couriers will be hired, using their own cars to deliver and collect smaller parcels from customers.

Nationwide the firm is looking to recruit an extra 7000 people.

Dick Stead, executive chairman of Yodel, said: “Our recent research has shown that the 2015 Christmas period is set to break the mould once again, with nearly four times as many people planning to take advantage of the Black Friday online promotions.

"Our recruitment and training will support this demand and ensure that both our retail clients and their shoppers have an enjoyable Christmas.

"Many of the vacancies are flexible and perfect for those who want to fit work around families, or who have retired but want to remain active and earn some extra cash.

"Other roles are full-time and we expect many posts to become permanent after the Christmas season.

"Whatever the job, we’ll be giving everyone working for us the tools they need to deliver a top service."