Domino’s Pizza (NYSE: DPZ) has revealed plans to create 6,000 new roles over the Christmas period.

Thanks to a surge in sales over the pandemic, the takeaway pizza chain has said it will create 5,000 new roles and 1,000 placements for young people.

First-half sales of this financial year leapt 5% as people enjoyed their pizza’s throughout the pandemic. However, pre-tax profits fell 4.6% to £47.6m thanks to the £6.2m in safety measures amid the Coronavirus.

The new roles will include customer service colleagues, delivery drivers, and pizza chefs.

The group will also open up 1,000 apprenticeships under the government’s Kickstart scheme. The scheme offers young people a paid placement with the opportunity to apply for a full-time job after six months.

“It was a privilege to keep our stores open during Covid-19 and to now be in a position to offer thousands more people the opportunity to become a Domino’s team member,” said Dominic Paul, the chief executive.

“We’re also delighted to have applied to support the Government’s Kickstart scheme, offering young people the chance to get back into work and to build lifelong skills through our training programmes.”

“Together, these over 6,000 new roles will help Domino’s continue to safely serve our local communities as we head towards the busy festive period,” he added.

The creation of 6,000 new roles is a stark contrast to the current climate where thousands of jobs have been cut this year.

It is also a welcome change after rivals Pizza Express and Pizza Hut have announced store closures, risking 1,500 roles.

Shares in Domino’s (NYSE: DPZ) are trading at 388,52 (0718GMT).