United Kingdom: John Lewis Partnership to give staff free meals this winter

The John Lewis Partnership, which owns the eponymous department store chain as well as Waitrose supermarkets, announced on 31 August that it is to give its some 80,000 employees free meals between 3 October and 6 January. 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. A John Lewis spokesperson said that one meal will be offered for a four-hour shift, and two meals for an eight-hour shift. Breakfast, lunch or dinner will be available, depending on individual schedules, and will be delivered in different ways, depending on workplace facilities. For example, in large shops, distribution centres and offices, these meals will be provided directly in canteens or kitchens, while employees in smaller shops 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 currently facing recruitment difficulties.