John Lewis and Waitrose staff call on bosses to bring back bonuses

Colleagues across the partnership have not received a bonus for three years as the company focuses on its turnaround.

Some workers have shared an open letter, as well as launching a petition through the platform Organise, urging bosses to reinstate bonuses.

The campaign has attracted almost 4,000 signatures from current and former partnership staff and members of the public.

The partnership is owned by all of its 69,000 staff, but some claim the partnership model is being eroded because of the decision not to pay bonuses despite a recent return to profitability, the Financial Times reported.

John Lewis Partnership reported a 73% increase in pre-tax profit to £97m for the year to January 25, and a 3% increase in sales to £12.8bn.  

John Lewis said it did not think “it would be right” to pay a bonus for last year as it continues its turnaround and increased pay by a total of £114m.

In the open letter, staff said: “We’re working harder than ever, with fewer staff and growing workloads, but getting less recognition.

“The bonus meant something more than just money. It was a sign that the company saw and appreciated us.” 

One employee told Organise: “It is disheartening to see the bonus [paused] when so many partners… have worked extremely hard and remained committed during challenging times.”

Chair Jason Tarry said earlier this year that he was “determined to pay a bonus as soon as we can” but it is likely to incur around £40m in added costs due to the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions.

A person close to John Lewis told the Financial Times that the group’s annual general meeting on June 12 is said to be focused on corporate governance rather than a forum for discussion.

The partnership said the bonus was an important feature of its model, alongside its democratic structure.

“Our partners understand that we’re focused on improving their base pay and investing in our business, so we can best serve our customers,” it said.