The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) is gearing up for the festive season by planning to hire a whopping 12,500 temporary staff members. This recruitment drive is the largest one yet for the retail group, which includes popular stores like John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets. The goal is to bring in 4,100 more workers compared to last year to handle the expected increase in demand during the busy holiday period.
Roles will be available across various locations, including John Lewis and Waitrose stores, as well as within JLP’s distribution network. The focus is on preparing for the peak trading times around Black Friday, Christmas, and the January sales. Recruitment is already in progress, with Waitrose looking to fill 7,700 seasonal positions in over 300 stores. These roles include supermarket assistants, night shift workers, and delivery drivers. On the other hand, around 2,000 roles are up for grabs at the 34 John Lewis department stores. The response to the job openings has been impressive, with only a few spots left to be filled.
Apart from in-store staff, JLP is collaborating with agencies to bring in an additional 2,800 supply chain employees. These positions include warehouse workers and drivers to handle the surge in online orders expected during the holiday season. The demand for Christmas products is already on the rise, with Waitrose reporting a 25% increase in sales of its festive range. Similarly, the John Lewis Christmas shop has seen a 20% jump in sales of decorations compared to the previous year.
Charlotte Lock, JLP’s Customer Director, emphasized the importance of their staff in providing excellent customer service. She mentioned that customers value the expert advice and assistance provided by JLP partners. The strong interest in these seasonal roles reflects the excitement surrounding the brands during the Christmas period. It’s clear that many people are eager to be part of the holiday shopping experience at John Lewis and Waitrose.
Overall, the recruitment drive by the John Lewis Partnership is not just about filling temporary positions. It’s also about ensuring that customers receive the high-quality service and attention they expect during the busy holiday season. With the surge in demand for Christmas products, having a dedicated and enthusiastic team in place is crucial to meeting customer expectations and making the shopping experience a memorable one. So, if you’re looking for a temporary job during the festive season and want to be part of the holiday excitement, consider applying for one of the available roles at John Lewis or Waitrose.
