John Lewis warns staff could face smaller pay rises

John Lewis has reportedly warned staff that they may face smaller pay rises under new salary policies as it continues its turnaround strategy, according to The Telegraph.

The outlet reported that the John Lewis Partnership is consulting on the changes that it believes would allow for more “flexibility” and allow for a more “sustainable footing”.

It is thought that the management team led by Dame Sharon White would be in control of setting performance-linked pay rises which could see a fewer number of staff qualify for the higher increases in salary.

The news comes after reports that John Lewis was to place retail at the centre of its turnaround programme. The new plan would reportedly see it focus on four pillars – namely “We will be Distinctively Us, The Partner Difference, Simple and Productive, and Fix the Basics” – which will improve interactions with customers and increase productivity.

John Lewis currently employs more than 76,000 workers across its department stores.

A John Lewis Partnership spokesman told The Telegraph: “As an employee-owned organisation, we put our partners first and remain committed to rewarding their hard work.

“We are simply being transparent with partners – creating a level playing field and setting clear expectations around what they need to do to achieve additional performance related pay.”