The John Lewis Partnership has kicked off its seasonal recruitment drive and is on the hunt for 10,400 roles across Waitrose, John Lewis and its supply chain.
Waitrose will get the majority of those roles, with 6,000 seasonal positions on offer across its 320 stores. John Lewis will get 2,600 in its 36 shops, while 1,800 roles will support in the supply chain for both retailers from now until December.
The partnership is making a special appeal to younger people aged under 25, as it looks to support the UK’s one million NEETs – people not in education, employment or training – into work.
Around 75% of JLP’s seasonal recruits in 2025 were under 25. Seasonal positions “offer a vital opportunity to gain valuable workplace skills and kick-start a career in retail”, the partnership said.
It’s also ramping up its long-running support for care leavers as part of the process, following June’s commitment to recruit 1,000 care-experienced people by 2030. At least 100 of the seasonal positions will go to care leavers, the partnership “expects”.
In addition, JLP will also offer 300 welcome visits alongside 250 job shadowing opportunities for care leavers. Every candidate who completes a placement will be “guaranteed” an interview for a seasonal role, the partnership said.
Seasonal roles ‘more than just a job’
“These roles appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, and we’re excited to welcome great candidates across the board,” said Helen Webb, JLP chief people officer.
“At the same time, we know retail is a vital stepping stone for young people entering the workforce. With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge, we recognise the role we play in providing meaningful opportunities to learn and grow,” she said.
“Our seasonal roles are more than just a job for the festive period; for many, they are a catalyst for building confidence and kick-starting a long-term career,” Webb continued.
“By offering thousands of roles to under-25s and guaranteeing interviews for care-experienced young people, we are actively helping to break down barriers to employment and investing in the future of our communities,” Webb added.
Hourly pay will start are £13 nationwide, or £14.55, rising to £13.25 and £14.80 after 30 days.
It makes Waitrose the first supermarket to kick off its annual seasonal recruitment drive. It’s on the hunt for less roles than last year, when 13,700 jobs were offered across the Partnership.
The Partnership has investment more than £1bn into Waitrose and £800m into customer service over the past year, under chairman Jason Tarry’s turnaround plan. It’s focused on improving hours in stores, as well as investing in technology – like new headsets – that free up partners.
Tarry kicked off a new three-year turnaround plan earlier this year. The plan, called Rise, was first reported by the FT over the weekend. It aims to generate more than £100m in additional profit by joining up the Partnership’s loyalty schemes and improving service.
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