JLP, which owns the John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets (sales of € 15 billion in 2021 up by 1%), will give its some 80,000 employees free meals between 3 October 2022 and 6 January 2023.
The aim of the policy is to help them contend with the sharply rising cost of living, with the rate of inflation having exceeded 10%. The meals will be given during working hours to both permanent employees and temporary workers. According to a spokesperson, one meal will be offered for a four-hour shift, and two meals for an eight-hour shift. In large stores, distribution centres and offices, these meals will be provided directly in canteens or kitchens, while employees in smaller stores will receive Waitrose salads or sandwiches. Delivery drivers meanwhile will have to order a packed lunch. This announcement comes as the John Lewis Partnership sets out to hire 10,000 temporary staff for the festive period, which is a challenge as the retail sector is facing recruitment difficulties.
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