John Lewis increases profits as it battles tough market conditions March 9, 2017 The John Lewis Partnership announced a profit rise today – but warned of a tough year ahead due to rising costs and structural changes in the retail industry. The figures For the year ending 28 January, the Partnership's profit before the bonus, tax and exceptional items, was up 21.2 per cent to £370.4m. This was [...]
London and the West Midlands can be an unstoppable force together September 11, 2018 Over a year since taking on the role of West Midlands mayor, we have achieved a lot. The wider region has experienced the largest increase in jobs in the UK, Coventry will be the country’s City of Culture in 2021, and Birmingham has secured the Commonwealth Games in 2022 – to name a few successes. [...]
Government renationalises East Coast rail franchise stripping it from Virgin East Coast owner Stagecoach May 16, 2018 The government today renationalised Britain’s East Coast railway, stripping Stagecoach of its loss-making franchise. Transport secretary Chris Grayling appointed an “operator of last resort” to replace Virgin Trains East Coast – a joint venture between Stagecoach and Virgin. The historic London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) livery will return. A new board and an independent [...]
John Lewis will cut staff bonus as profit comes under pressure January 12, 2017 The John Lewis Partnership has warned profit is "under pressure" due to falling shop prices, the growing dominance of online shopping, and cost pressures from the devaluation of sterling. The company, which shares its profits with staff through an annual bonus, said the difficulties the business is facing will mean the employee bonus will be "significantly lower" [...]
Mayor power: Devolution is giving Britain a brighter future September 13, 2018 With the distraction of Brexit, one could be forgiven for believing that devolution policy has been dormant since 2016. Indeed, as Westminster negotiates feverishly for optimal European and international status come 30 March, it can seem that domestic policy has been effectively on hold since the referendum. But in that time, a quiet revolution has [...]
Mayor power: Devolution is giving Britain a brighter future September 13, 2018 With the distraction of Brexit, one could be forgiven for believing that devolution policy has been dormant since 2016. Indeed, as Westminster negotiates feverishly for optimal European and international status come 30 March, it can seem that domestic policy has been effectively on hold since the referendum. But in that time, a quiet revolution has [...]
John Lewis has slashed its staff bonus to six per cent March 9, 2017 The John Lewis Partnership has slashed its staff bonus in the face of an "uncertain market" in the year ahead. The bonus, one of the key perks for John Lewis employees (also known as partners), was cut to six per cent of salary, totalling £89.4m. Last year, the employees were given a 10 per cent bonus. In [...]
John Lewis Partnership hires British Airways boss Keith Williams as new deputy chairman March 22, 2016 The John Lewis Partnership has appointed British Airways' outgoing boss Keith Williams to take over Mark Price as its new deputy chairman. Williams is already a member of the Partnership board after joining in March 2014 and will succeed Price on 4 April, who is leaving his dual role as deputy chairman and Waitrose managing director to take up [...]
John Lewis to cut almost 400 jobs February 23, 2017 John Lewis is cutting around 380 jobs as it shakes-up parts of its home and catering businesses. Around 773 employees at the department store will be entering a consultation period, during which the business will assess whether to keep them on for the 386 jobs it is creating in other areas. Read more: The 30 [...]
John Lewis hits out at Labour MP over Christmas jingle December 20, 2016 The John Lewis Partnership has hit out at a campaigning Labour MP after she produced a Christmas jingle criticising the retailer for how it treats its staff. Labour MPs, led by Siobhain McDonagh, recently recorded a song – titled "National Living Rage" – to highlight how retailers are cutting staff benefits in response to the national living wage. Read more: [...]