John Lewis, the renowned retail chain, is set to hire a remarkable 13,700 seasonal workers for the upcoming festive period. This recruitment drive by the John Lewis Partnership marks its largest ever effort to bolster staff numbers ahead of the busy holiday season. The temporary positions will be spread across various locations, including 3,000 roles in John Lewis stores, 8,500 in Waitrose outlets, and close to 2,200 within its warehouses and supply chain network.
To meet the surge in demand during the crucial “golden quarter,” characterized by a significant uptick in sales both in-store and online, retailers commonly ramp up their workforce with temporary hires. JLP anticipates a substantial footfall of approximately 30 million customers at John Lewis stores during this period, with their warehouses expected to dispatch more than two deliveries per second.
Despite the challenging economic climate faced by many retailers amidst a cost of living crisis, John Lewis remains optimistic about its prospects. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service during the festive season necessitates a strong workforce. Following this trend, other major retailers, including supermarkets, are likely to follow suit by offering thousands of additional job opportunities to support the heightened demand during this costly time of year.
In a bid to provide excellent customer service and uphold its reputation, Jo Rackham, JLP’s chief people officer, emphasized the importance of recruiting dedicated seasonal staff. These roles, she noted, are not only rewarding but also crucial in enhancing the holiday shopping experience for customers.
The busy period kicks off with the introduction of new seasonal collections, leading up to the popular Black Friday event in November, followed by the Christmas rush and the renowned January Winter Sale at John Lewis. This period, known as the golden quarter, represents the peak operational phase for the retailer.
Successful applicants can expect competitive salaries, training opportunities, and flexible work arrangements. Interested individuals can apply for these seasonal positions by visiting the dedicated page on the John Lewis website at jlpjobs.com/Christmas.
Despite facing challenges, JLP’s unique employee-owned structure, where workers, known as “partners,” share in the company’s profits and have a voice in its operations, underscores its commitment to staff welfare. While employees have missed out on annual bonuses for the third consecutive year, Chairman Jason Tarry has expressed determination to reinstate these payments once the business is in a position to do so.