John Lewis embarks on its largest-ever seasonal recruitment drive, planning to hire 12,500 additional staff for the festive period.
- The recruitment includes 4,100 new roles across Waitrose, John Lewis, and their distribution network.
- Waitrose alone seeks to fill 7,700 seasonal positions in over 300 shops.
- 2,000 temporary roles are already being filled at John Lewis stores.
- An additional 2,800 roles are available in the supply chain, including warehouse and driver positions.
John Lewis has initiated its largest seasonal recruitment effort, aiming to enhance its workforce by 12,500 personnel for the upcoming Christmas season. This significant recruitment reflects a commitment to improving the customer experience as shopper traffic reaches unprecedented levels. The drive includes 4,100 new roles across Waitrose, John Lewis, and associated distribution networks, underscoring the scale of resources being deployed this year.
At Waitrose, 7,700 seasonal roles are being added across more than 300 locations. The roles range from supermarket assistants to night shift workers and delivery drivers. This expansion is aimed at reinforcing staff presence as the brand prepares for the intense shopping demands of the golden quarter, including Black Friday, Christmas, and the subsequent January sales period.
Recruitment at John Lewis stores is actively ongoing, with 2,000 temporary positions currently being filled. Only a few vacancies remain, indicating a swift uptake of opportunities by prospective employees eager to join the workforce that supports the holiday season’s bustling activities.
Furthermore, John Lewis has announced 2,800 roles within its supply chain segment. These positions cater to warehouse operations and driving, both critical to managing the increased volume of goods in transit during this peak trading period.
Charlotte Lock, Customer Director at John Lewis Partnership, highlighted the brand’s dedication to customer service, stating, “Whether making sure you’re choosing the right headphones or wanting inspirational food ideas for entertaining, we know customers value the independent, trusted advice they get from our partners and that friendly, personal touch.” Her words emphasize the human element that John Lewis believes differentiates its service, particularly during the festive rush.
John Lewis’s substantial hiring initiative highlights its strategic emphasis on customer experience and operational readiness for the festive season.