John Lewis, a prominent retailer, has unveiled plans to recruit a record 13,700 seasonal workers for the upcoming Christmas period. This recruitment drive by the John Lewis Partnership marks their largest ever hiring initiative in preparation for the busy holiday shopping season. The seasonal positions will be distributed with 3,000 roles across 35 John Lewis stores, 8,500 in Waitrose shops, and close to 2,200 positions in warehouses and the supply chain network.
To meet the surge in sales during the crucial “golden quarter” of the year, when retailers experience heightened demand both in physical stores and online, temporary workers are essential for managing the increased workload. John Lewis Partnership anticipates approximately 30 million visitors to its stores and plans for over two deliveries per second from its warehouses during this period.
Despite economic challenges faced by many retailers amidst a cost of living crisis, John Lewis’s extensive recruitment efforts signal their commitment to delivering exceptional service during the holiday season. The retailer’s proactive approach is expected to be mirrored by other industry players, including major supermarkets, who are likely to offer thousands of additional job opportunities to support the seasonal demand.
Acknowledging the significance of skilled staff in providing superior customer service, Jo Rackham, JLP’s chief people officer, emphasized the rewarding nature of seasonal roles within the retail sector, particularly during the festive period. The busy season commences with the introduction of new seasonal collections, leading up to Black Friday in November, followed by the Christmas rush and the renowned January Winter Sale, collectively representing John Lewis’s busiest period of the year.
Prospective candidates are promised competitive salaries, training, and flexible working arrangements by John Lewis. Those interested in applying for these seasonal roles can access the application process through the dedicated page on the company’s website. John Lewis’s workforce, referred to as “partners” due to the business’s employee-owned structure, shares in the company’s profits and has a say in its operations. However, employees have missed out on receiving an annual bonus for the third consecutive year.
Chairman Jason Tarry expressed his determination to reinstate bonus payments for staff once the retailer is financially positioned to do so. This commitment demonstrates the company’s ongoing efforts to support its workforce and maintain its employee-centric business model.