Around 65,000 employees at John Lewis will receive a significant pay increase in April. The John Lewis Partnership, which includes department stores and Waitrose supermarkets, announced that shop floor wages will go up by nearly 7%, equivalent to £1,600 annually for full-time staff. Employees at the retailer, known as partners due to the company’s ownership structure, are set to benefit from this raise.
While the pay rise has been confirmed, there is uncertainty regarding the partner bonus for this year, as none has been granted since 2022. Jason Tarry, the chair of the partnership, expressed the organization’s commitment to providing a bonus at the earliest opportunity. The decision on the bonus will be made by the Board in March.
The pay increase, totaling £108 million, will impact 99.6% of partners at John Lewis. Starting April 1, shop floor workers across John Lewis and Waitrose will enjoy a 6.9% raise, with minimum hourly rates set to reach £13.25 nationwide and £14.80 in London. Additionally, partners with specialized skills and roles will see their pay rise to £14.31 per hour, reaching £15.98 within the M25 area.
Helen Webb, the chief people officer at the John Lewis Partnership, emphasized the importance of investing in employees, stating that the pay raise demonstrates a sustained commitment to partner compensation. She highlighted the significance of rewarding partners for their dedication and hard work, ensuring that their efforts are recognized through monthly pay increases.
Apart from the salary increase, partners at the company enjoy various benefits, including discounts at John Lewis and Waitrose, up to a 12% pension contribution, subsidized personal development, leisure activities, meals, and comprehensive health and wellbeing offerings such as physiotherapy and counseling services.
In September, the Partnership reported increased losses for the six months ending in July, largely attributed to restructuring costs, new tax charges, and regulatory fees. Despite these challenges, the group continues to operate 36 department stores and over 300 Waitrose supermarkets, striving to strengthen its financial position and support its workforce.