John Lewis Partnership is set to today inform staff if they are at risk of redundancy following a consultation over 1500 potential job cuts.

The employee-owned business behind John Lewis and Waitrose first proposed plans to axe up to 1500 roles at its head offices in London’s Victoria Street and Bracknell in November.

John Lewis Partnership is expected to tell individual workers if they are at risk of redundancy as it seeks to save £50 million as part of a wider £300 million cost-saving target, according to The Telegraph which reported on the latest update.

While a number of people were told before Christmas about their positions, the firm will today update the remaining majority of people that have not already been told if their role is at risk.

A company spokesman said: “This refers to the 4 November 2020 update where we sadly proposed to reduce the size of our head office by April 2021. These difficult but necessary changes, will help us to create a simpler, pacier, head office that enables us to deliver our five-year partnership plan.”

The spokesman added: “Wherever possible, we will seek to find new roles in the partnership for partners whose roles become redundant. For partners who are unable to find new roles, we will provide them with a market leading redundancy support and funds for retraining. This includes up to £3,000 towards a recognised qualification or course for up to two years for any partner with two years’ service or more.”

Waitrose is classified as an ‘essential retailer’ so stores have been allowed to stay open during lockdowns.

John Lewis has had to close when lockdowns are in place, but was open for click and collect. However, earlier this month it said it would temporarily suspend the service as part of efforts to encourage people to stay at home during the national lockdown.

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