John Lewis Partnership has announced plans to axe up to 1500 head office jobs before April 2021 as part of the five-year plan to return the Partnership to sustainable profits by 2025. The news comes after eight John Lewis stores never reopened following the first lockdown, leading to the loss of 1300 jobs.
Sharon White, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “Our Partnership Plan sets a course to create a thriving and sustainable business for the future. To achieve this we must be agile and able to adapt quickly to the changing needs of our customers. Losing Partners is incredibly hard as an employee-owned business. Wherever possible, we will seek to find new roles in the Partnership and we’ll provide the best support and retraining opportunities for Partners who leave us.”
John Lewis Partnership also announced that finance executive director Patrick Lewis is resigning following a 26-year career with the Partnership. Patrick will be succeeded by John Lewis’ former finance director, Bérangère Michel, currently customer service executive director. Lewis said: “I’ve felt very lucky to be part of a leadership team in such an extraordinary organisation. I’m immensely proud of the role the Partnership plays in demonstrating a better way of doing business, and hugely grateful for the unstinting support I’ve had from colleagues over such a long period in furthering that goal. I’m delighted that Bérangère will be stepping into the role, bringing with her both a deep understanding and commitment to the Partnership, and valuable financial experience.”
