Free food for staff | John Lewis' cost-of-living aid is welcome, but should firms go further?

Employees at the John Lewis Partnership will get free meals over the coming months as the firm tries to ease the burden of the cost-of-living crisis.

Workers in the retail giant’s stores, warehouses and head office will get free breakfast and lunch in staff canteens, while lorry drivers and other on-the-road staff will receive free packed lunches.

The initiative will run from October 3rd to January 6th 2023, the company’s Christmas trading period, and temporary seasonal staff will also be eligible – a potentially huge incentive at a time when retailers are fighting to attract and keep talent.

In fact, John Lewis Partnership also confirmed that it would be recruiting more than 10,000 temporary workers across the country to meet increased demand over the busy festive period. The jobs include roles in Waitrose and John Lewis shops as well as the company’s distribution network.