The John Lewis Partnership is recruiting more than 10,400 seasonal workers for Christmas, with roles across Waitrose supermarkets, John Lewis shops and its distribution network.

The employee-owned retailer said 6,000 of the roles are in Waitrose's 320 branches, 2,600 are in John Lewis's 36 shops, and a further 1,800 are in distribution centres and the supply chain. The first seasonal colleagues joined from 25 October, and vacancies are still being advertised across the country, with new adverts appearing through November.

Shop roles start at £13 an hour, rising to £14.55 in London, and the Partnership says the work suits people of all ages and backgrounds. Around three quarters of its seasonal joiners last year were under 25, and the retailer points to the roles as a way into work for young people at a time when around one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training.

Care-experienced young people

Within the 10,400 roles, the Partnership expects to recruit 100 young people who have experienced the care system through its Building Happier Futures programme. It will also offer 300 welcome visits and 250 job-shadowing placements before December, with a guaranteed interview for every young person who completes a placement.

The golden quarter

Christmas is the Partnership's busiest period, running from the launch of its seasonal ranges through Black Friday in November to the January Winter Sale. The John Lewis Christmas Shop launched online on 27 August, and Waitrose's Christmas range went into shops from 21 September.

The recruitment follows more than £1 billion of investment at Waitrose and £800 million at John Lewis in shops and technology. Applications are open now through the Partnership's careers site, jlpjobs.com.