John Lewis has announced a pay boost for its shop floor staff, with customer-facing workers set to receive an annual increase equivalent to £1,600 for a typical full-time role.
The John Lewis Partnership, the employee-owned business behind John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets, said it is investing £108 million investment in pay, effective from 1 April 2026. This delivers a 6.9% rise in hourly rates for shop floor Partners, outpacing the UK’s recent inflation rate of around 3.4%.
- Under the changes, minimum hourly pay will increase to £13.25 across the UK, with a higher rate of £14.80 for those working inside the M25 (Greater London area).
- For employees who develop enhanced skills or take on specialist roles, rates will rise to £14.31 per hour (or £15.98 within the M25).
The £1,600 figure applies to a typical full-time frontline employee and forms part of the Partnership’s ongoing commitment to its workforce, it said.
It added that nearly 90% of this latest investment is voluntary spending above the National Minimum Wage requirements and follows almost £300 million added to the pay budget over the previous three years.
“Our Partners are the heartbeat of our business. This £108m investment is about putting more money into their pockets month-in, month-out. This pay growth demonstrates a sustained commitment to Partner pay, consistent with previous years,” said Helen Webb, Chief People Officer at the John Lewis Partnership.
“This ensures that the rewards for our Partners’ hard work are built into their monthly pay as we continue to invest in the future of the Partnership.”
As Britain’s largest employee-owned business, the John Lewis Partnership employs around 65,000 Partners and emphasises fair rewards alongside its famous benefits package.
Staff enjoy staff discounts at John Lewis and Waitrose, pension contributions of up to 12%, subsidised meals, discounted hotel stays, up to £275 annually for personal development or leisure activities, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
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