John Lewis is taking on an additional 12,500 staff members ahead of the Christmas period, forming its largest ever seasonal recruitment drive.
The partnership, which recently opened its Christmas shops across 35 stores, is recruiting an extra 4,100 new jobs across Waitrose, John Lewis and its distribution network compared to last year, as it said shopper numbers had hit record levels and it “doubles down on its commitment to customer experience”.
The roles will provide support over its golden quarter, with the build up to Black Friday and Christmas, and January’s John Lewis Winter Sale, marking its “biggest trading period of the year”.
Waitrose will begin hiring for 7,700 seasonal positions across more than 300 shops in the coming weeks, including supermarket assistants, night shift workers and customer delivery drivers.
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The retailer said recruitment for 2,000 temporary roles for its 34 John Lewis stores was already underway, with only a “small number of vacancies” remaining.
Additionally, John Lewis is currently hiring for 2,800 roles in its supply chain, including warehouse workers and drivers.
John Lewis Partnership customer director Charlotte Lock said: “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.
“Our partners have always been at the heart of what sets us apart – we’re thrilled by the interest the roles have already received and that people want to be part of the excitement that surrounds our two brands at Christmas.”
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