The John Lewis Partnership is recruiting more than 7,000 temporary roles across the country this Christmas; 2,000 more than last year to meet increased demand over the busy festive period.

The retailer will be recruiting for temporary roles across its 34 John Lewis stores, including sales and merchandising positions. In addition, it is offering 550 permanent full-time driver and warehouse Partner roles across its distribution centres and Waitrose.com and John Lewis.com customer delivery centres.

As well as recruiting, the company has other festive preparations underway.

Highlights include 10 newly designed Christmas emporiums in shops from October, including in-store events and workshops for the whole family. Commenting is Nikki Humphrey, People Director at the John Lewis Partnership. “We know that as the first Christmas after lockdown, customers will want to make it really special. We’re throwing everything we can into helping them celebrate.

“Our festive team will have a crucial role to play. We’re looking for people who can deliver extraordinary service to help customers get what they need to celebrate. We look forward to welcoming people into our team across the country.”

A new 300k sq. ft distribution centre at Bardon, Leicestershire, will also help support additional online demand ahead of Black Friday this year.