The annual Christmas staff recruitment drive has got underway, with the John Lewis Partnership looking to fill thousands of roles across the country.
Waitrose plans to recruit more than 2,800 seasonal workers across its 329 shops, whilst the 34 John Lewis stores are looking for 2,900 temporary staff. A further 2,700 positions are available across its supply chain operations.
In addition to the seasonal jobs, the group noted that it was looking to fill 1,700 permanent positions across both Waitrose and John Lewis in a variety of roles over the coming months.
Lisa Cherry, Executive Director of People at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We’re hugely proud of the way our two brands have become part of the excitement that surrounds Christmas, and this is a great opportunity to be at the heart of that at such a special time.
“Our customers are at the forefront of everything we do; we want to deliver a great festive season for them with inspirational products and the very best customer service courtesy of our brilliant Partners.”
Over the last two years, seasonal staff at John Lewis and Waitrose have been offered free breakfast and lunch during the shifts to help attract workers and support those struggling during the cost of living crisis.
However, the retailer has confirmed that Christmas staff will not get the perk this year as the group continues with its cost-cutting drive.
Earlier this year, JLP’s Chairman Dame Sharon White said that cost-cutting efforts would have to be scaled up after losses ballooned to more than £230m. The group is now aiming to strip around £600m of extra costs out of the businesses within the next few years, having already cut just over £300m since the start of 2021.
