John Lewis Bluewater "partners" celebrate their cash bonus

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

John Lewis staff at Bluewater are celebrating a 17% bonus after a bumper year for the store and supermarket chain.

The windfall is worth nearly nine weeks' pay to every employee and will cost the business £210.8million.

The John Lewis Partnership, including Waitrose, hiked profit before tax and bonus to £55.8 million in the 12 months to January 26, up nearly 16% on the previous year. Gross sales jumped 9.3% to £9.54 billion, up 9.3% to £811.8m.

For Bluewater selling assistant Daniel Lee Woledge, 28, a member of the GB boxing team, the bonus will help him buy sports training equipment.

He joined the store last year. He said: "I would love working here even if we didn't get a bonus as it's such a supportive environment, but it is a fantastic perk.

"This is my first bonus so I'm really excited to have some money from my work life to spend on something I am passionate about in my personal life - boxing. The bonus will be invaluable in helping me pay for better sporting equipment as well as travel expenses to train with the GB boxing team."

Karen Lord, managing director of John Lewis Bluewater, said: "Against the backdrop of a challenging retail environment we are pleased to have put in a robust performance during the year.

"Although the economic outlook for 2013 continues to be challenging, we have some exciting plans."

She added: "It has been a great year at John Lewis Bluewater and I am proud of our partners who strive to provide the high standards of service and shopping experience our customers expect and deserve."