John Lewis ditches free food for temps over Christmas to cut costs

John Lewis has axed its free food offer for staff working throughout Christmas, in continued efforts to reduce costs.

The department store retailer has given its festive temps free cooked breakfasts and Sunday roasts for the last two years.

In the past, all workers across its stores and distribution centres were eligible for the free food.

Perks included long-distance lorry drivers being able to order a packed lunch for their journey every day and workers in areas without kitchens having access to sandwiches, salads and microwavable ready meals.


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The news comes after John Lewis Partnership chairman Sharon White pledged to return the retailer to profit before 2026 in June, following three years of losses.

This morning, the partnership revealed plans to recruit for over 10,000 roles across the country.

The business said the move is “part of its commitment to delivering exceptional service, no matter when, where, or how our customers prefer to shop with us”.

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