John Lewis embarks on its largest seasonal recruitment, hiring 12,500 staff for Christmas.
- This year, John Lewis plans to fill an additional 4,100 positions compared to last year.
- The hiring focus extends across Waitrose, John Lewis, and the distribution network.
- Roles will support peak trading from Black Friday through Christmas to the Winter Sale.
- A surge in customer numbers and John Lewis’s dedication to customer experiences drive this effort.
John Lewis is undertaking an extensive recruitment campaign, bringing in 12,500 temporary staff ahead of the busy Christmas period. This initiative marks its most ambitious seasonal hiring effort to date, aimed at enhancing customer service during the peak shopping months.
This year, John Lewis is not only increasing its seasonal workforce by 4,100 roles compared to the previous year but is also broadening its recruitment drive across its various entities. The positions span across Waitrose, John Lewis retail stores, and its distribution channels, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to managing increased customer traffic.
In anticipation of the ‘golden quarter,’ encompassing Black Friday and extending to January’s Winter Sale, Waitrose is set to hire 7,700 individuals for roles including supermarket assistants, night shift workers, and delivery drivers. This hiring spree is part of a broader effort to ensure an enhanced shopping experience amidst rising consumer demand.
Further illustrating its commitment, John Lewis has already commenced recruitment for 2,000 temporary roles in its 34 stores, achieving near full capacity with just a few vacancies left. In addition, 2,800 jobs are being filled within its supply chain, predominantly focusing on warehouse and driving roles.
Charlotte Lock, John Lewis Partnership’s customer director, emphasised the importance of personalised service, stating that independent and trusted advice from their partners is what differentiates John Lewis. She noted the enthusiasm surrounding these roles and the excitement people have in joining their brands for the festive season.
John Lewis’s record-breaking hiring drive underscores its commitment to enhancing customer relations during its busiest time of the year.
