JLP Christmas Recruitment 1

Source: Waitrose

The Partnership will also offer free food to all Partners from 3 October to 6 January to help with the cost of living crisis

The John Lewis Partnership is recruiting 10,000 temporary roles across the country this festive season.

The company is kicking off its seasonal recruitment drive for roles in Waitrose and John Lewis shops, as well as across its distribution network.

This includes 4,000 temporary jobs across its 331 Waitrose shops, such as supermarket assistants, night shift workers and customer delivery drivers, as well as 2,000 temporary roles for its 34 John Lewis stores.

Additionally, JLP is hiring for 4,000 roles in the supply chain, including warehouse workers and drivers, to support higher demand – particularly in online orders during the Christmas season.

The seasonal jobs will be going live throughout September and October, and successful candidates will receive a “competitive salary, training and potential development opportunities” as well as flexible and blended working, the group said.

The Partnership’s COO, Andrew Murphy, 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.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people across the country to grow our team and ensure we deliver a great Christmas for our customers.”

Waitrose’s parent company has also pledged to offer free food to all Partners from 3 October to 6 January to help with the cost of living crisis.

The free food offer applies to all employees, including agency workers on their breaks whilst working, it confirmed.

In Waitrose and John Lewis branches or distribution centres where a kitchen and cook is available, meal options will vary through the week but will typically include fruit, cereal, English breakfast, soups, salads, curries and pasta dishes. Staff will also have access to free tea and coffee.

Those who do not have the option to access a dining room on a working day during their shift, such as long distance drivers, can pre-order a packed lunch.

This is JLP’s latest move in a string of support measures for workers amid rising living costs. Recently, it doubled its staff financial support fund, which lets Partners struggling to pay their bills apply for interest-free loans and grants.

And earlier this year, it upped wages for all Partners in line with real living wage standards.