The John Lewis Partnership is to offer all its staff free food from October to January to help with the cost of living.
Workers in both its Waitrose and John Lewis stores, warehouses and head office will be able to get breakfast, lunch or dinner in staff canteens, while those on the road, such as lorry drivers, will be able to order a packed lunch.
With people facing surging energy and food costs, Andrew Murphy, Chief Operations Officer at the Partnership said: “We pride ourselves on creating a happy workplace because it’s our Partners who make the difference and it’s thanks to them that John Lewis and Waitrose are two of the UK’s best-loved brands.”
The move comes as the Partnership looks to recruit 10,000 temporary roles for the festive season. The group is advertising 4,000 seasonal roles at Waitrose shops and 2,000 in John Lewis stores. A further 4,000 roles will be available in its supply chain like warehouse workers and drivers.
High levels of employment and Brexit, which has disrupted the flow of workers from the EU, have made it harder for retail businesses to recruit temporary staff.
The John Lewis Partnership is among the best payers on the high street, offering a minimum of £11.05 an hour in London and £9.90 across the rest of the UK, plus an annual profit-related bonus. However, its rates have recently become less competitive as major supermarkets up their pay to attract workers.
