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‘Bargaining agreement’ will cover collective consultation, health and safety, equality and training across the John Lewis Partnership, including John Lewis, Waitrose and John Lewis Money
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John Lewis Partnership Partners (employees) are already free to join any union they wish
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Terms and conditions (including pay) will continue to be a matter for the Partnership and Partners directly
The John Lewis Partnership today announced that it has entered into a collective agreement with Usdaw, the UK trade union.
This coincides with legislative changes regarding trade union rights in the UK, including that employers will need to facilitate trade union access to the workplace. Entering into a relationship with Usdaw is in line with these legal changes and sees the business partner with a union that respects and appreciates the unique Partnership model.
Rule 58 of the Partnership’s Constitution, the rule book for how the business is run, states that the Partnership’s employees (called Partners) are free to belong to any trade union; this is a legal right which Partners have exercised for many years.
Jason Tarry, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “This agreement will sit alongside our commitment to democratic principles, and will complement our existing democratic structures. Our Partnership Council and Forums remain the cornerstone of ensuring all voices are heard in our employee-owned model, giving Partners real authority to hold leadership to account and shape the decisions that affect us, both now and in the future.”
The collective agreement means that John Lewis Partnership will now begin negotiations with Usdaw on what this means in practice and ensure that Usdaw's representatives will have the facilities to fulfil their role and can get to know Partners and the Partnership even better. This will help them add real value as the recognised trade union for the purposes of statutory consultation, including on health and safety, equality and training matters.
Chris Earnshaw, President of Partnership Council and Director of Democratic Engagement, said: “We're encouraged by our conversations with Usdaw that they respect and appreciate our unique Partnership model, and our shared focus is to help enhance, support and evolve our business strategy and purpose.”
As the largest union in the country for retail workers with substantial membership amongst warehouse, transport, hospitality and manufacturing workers, Usdaw has the relevant experience to deliver benefits for Partners and our Partnership.
Joanne Thomas, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “We are delighted to secure a recognition agreement with such an iconic retailer as the John Lewis Partnership, which includes Waitrose supermarkets. Usdaw already has members working within the business and this agreement will strengthen that presence and help us in supporting and representing members across the Partnership. We now look forward to growing our membership and influence within the Partnership and to working with the Partnership's management on finalising the details of how the agreement will work in practice. Trade unions have a positive impact in the workplace, providing staff with support, advice and representation, while giving them a collective voice, and we urge other retailers to follow the lead of John Lewis Partnership by engaging with us.”
Partners are not required to join Usdaw as a member, but are free to do so. Partners can also continue to have their own individual relationships with a union of their choice.
The agreement comes into effect from 30 October 2026.
Notes to Editors
About the John Lewis Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership serves millions of customers as the UK’s largest employee-owned business, operating two of Britain’s best-loved retail brands, John Lewis and Waitrose, as well as John Lewis Money.
Its model of Partner ownership supports a focus on quality, service and long-term value for customers, combining trusted sourcing with ongoing investment in its shops and digital platforms.
John Lewis serves customers with curated fashion, beauty, home and technology, combining quality products with market-leading service they can trust. With 36 shops and a strong national online presence, it creates inspiring retail destinations, bringing together shopping, hospitality and services in one place.
Waitrose is the Home of Food Lovers, offering exceptional quality products and expert service. It has over 320 shops – as well as agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell – and a strong online business. It is a market-leader for animal welfare and sustainable sourcing.
Both John Lewis and Waitrose hold a Royal Warrant to His Majesty King Charles III.
John Lewis Money helps to enable the Partnership's retail strategy and deepen customer loyalty across John Lewis and Waitrose.
Usdaw
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 370,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also represents many workers in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
