John Lewis Partnership has introduced a policy giving free meals to all staff working for John Lewis and Waitrose this winter, to support them during the cost-of-living crisis.
As of 3 October, the policy will apply to all partners in both shops across the distribution network, as well as those working for the partnership through agencies, including temporary Christmas staff. The meals will be available to staff on their breaks during shifts, and will end on 6 January.
For staff working in shops and distribution centres with a kitchen and a branch cook, the food options will include English breakfast, vegetarian dishes, pasta and a Sunday roast. All food will be made using Waitrose ingredients where possible, and free tea, coffee and fruit will be available throughout the day.
According to the partnership, all members of staff can access dining rooms during their working day. However, as it will be catering for thousands of employees with different needs and facilities, the food will vary depending on location, but will try to cater for as many people as possible.
Employees working in shops with no kitchen will have access to microwavable ready meals and Waitrose lunch foods such as salads and sandwiches. Meanwhile, long distance lorry drivers will be able to pre-order a packed lunch every day to take with them.
This comes with the news that John Lewis Partnership has set about recruiting 10,000 temporary staff in order to meet demand ahead of the Christmas period.
Andrew Murphy, chief operations officer at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We pride ourselves on creating a happy workplace, because it’s our partners who make the difference and it’s thanks to them that John Lewis and Waitrose are two of the UK’s best-loved brands. We are looking forward to welcoming people across the country to grow our team and ensure we deliver a great Christmas for our customers.”