Staff bonus back as John Lewis sees profits increase

JOHN Lewis has reinstated its staff bonus following years of suspension, as the retail giant recorded a profit but remains “cautious” amid a challenging retail landscape.

- FELIX ANDERSON

> John Lewis' store in Newcastle city centre

The partnership, which also operates Waitrose, posted a £134m profit in the year to January 2025, up 6% from the previous year, and achieved rising sales, up 5% to £13.4bn.

The retailer initially scrapped its staff bonus in 2020 and has only distributed it once in the intervening years, as new chief Jason Tarry seeks to strengthen operations following the “social club” era of its previous boss.

John Lewis will distribute a 2% bonus to all partners, equivalent to a week’s salary.

The company had reportedly indicated it would only restore the bonus if it achieved a £200m profit.