Bonus celebrations for staff at John Lewis Watford (From Watford Observer)

Bonus celebrations for staff at John Lewis Watford

2:46pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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Staff at John Lewis Watford are today celebrating recession-busting bonuses worth 15 per cent of their salaries - the same as two months pay.

As a co-operative business, John Lewis shares its profits with its employees, who are known as partners, rather than shareholders.

Every March, all partners receive the same percentage of their pay as a bonus.

Last year, their bonus equated to 13 per cent, or seven weeks pay.

But after announcing annual profits of £306.6 million, it was revealed partners across the country will share a bonus pot worth £151.3 million.

One delighted worker in Watford is Sarah Becci, 31, who will spend her bonus on her wedding on May 22.

Sarah, a visual merchandiser at the Harlequin Centre-based department store, said: “I am so pleased to be able to spend my bonus on all the girly aspects of my wedding. I plan to spend it on my wedding dress and my bridesmaid’s dresses; any leftover will go towards ensuring me and my ten friends have a fantastic time at my hen party in Galway, Ireland.”

Jenny Tomley, managing director of John Lewis Watford, said the store had faced a “challenging year”.

She said: “In response to the challenging economic climate, partners pulled out all the stops demonstrating great flexibility, enterprise and commitment to providing high standards of customer service. Our end of year results are a great credit to all of those partners.

“2010 will see further exciting improvements to the shop with, of course, a continued focus on customer service. Myself and the team look forward to welcoming customers both old and new.”

Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “Partners have shown tremendous commitment during changing times.”