John Lewis is to hire more than 150 temporary staff at its Kent stores for the Christmas period.

The retailer wants 120 workers in the electrical, home and gifts sections at its flagship Bluewater site, as well as behind the scenes stock roles and its warehouse distribution.

It is also seeking 14 people to work at its Ashford store and 22 to join in Tunbridge Wells over the festive season.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic and energetic partners to join our team in Bluewater to help customers find the perfect Christmas gifts for their loved-ones,” said the department store’s Bluewater head of branch Kim Lowe.

Temporary staff will join the firm’s partnership structure as co-owners of the business, which was named the most sought-after employer in the UK for the second year running by LinkedIn.

There will also be chances to become permanent members of staff.

Selling partner Matthew Wren joined as a Christmas temp last year and now works in the nursery department.

He said: “Christmas is a really busy and exciting time for us with our main focus on customer service.

“Day-to-day, I carry out regular advisory appointments with parents-to-be and have attended a variety of product courses to enhance my knowledge to support this.

“I have been involved in department projects too, every day is different, I love the variety and the team I work with and am looking to develop towards a management role in the future.

“It’s a really fun job and Christmas has to be the best time of year instore.”