John Lewis has firmly denied recent media claims suggesting significant job cuts within the company.
- An article in The Times reported consultation with 7,000 store employees, implying restructuring plans.
- John Lewis’s official statement assures no new job reductions beyond those previously announced.
- The company emphasizes enhancements in customer service through strategic staff placement, not layoffs.
- Efforts are underway to minimize redundancies by repositioning staff within the organization.
John Lewis has responded decisively to an article in The Times, which suggested that the company is preparing to lay off more employees as part of a restructuring process. The article mentioned that 7,000 shop floor staff members were under consultation, indicating potential job losses due to management team restructuring, which was linked to the incoming chairman, Jason Tarry.
Contrary to these claims, John Lewis issued a statement categorically denying any intentions of further role reductions beyond the 153 job cuts announced in the previous month. The company clarified that there are no current plans to reduce management roles. The official statement highlighted the inaccuracy of the reported plans, asserting that suggestions of additional job cuts were unfounded.
Last month’s announcement revealed that the John Lewis Partnership would cut 153 positions as part of restructuring its store teams. The aim was to enhance customer service by creating a more adaptable and efficient staffing model, ensuring personnel are optimally positioned both in timing and location to better serve customers. These changes were presented as a means to provide more fulfilling job opportunities for employees while improving overall service quality.
In its statement, John Lewis also stated that it is striving to minimize redundancies by opting not to fill vacant roles and by reassigning staff to different areas within the business where possible. This approach is intended to retain skilled partners and maintain employment levels, even amid structural adjustments. The focus remains on flexibility and improved customer service without compromising job security.
John Lewis remains committed to strategic improvements in staffing without resorting to further job cuts beyond those previously declared.
