The John Lewis Partnership, which owns and operates Waitrose, has announced plans to increase annual salaries for LGV drivers by up to £5,000 a year.

From Sunday 8th August, LGV drivers employed by Waitrose and John Lewis will receive a pay rise of around £2 an hour in their base pay across all its regional and national distribution sites.

The Partnership stated that the salary increases – which follow a review of LGV driver rates – are designed “to ensure that both retailers can continue to recruit LGV drivers at market competitive rates.”

Around 900 drivers currently employed, the company estimated, will benefit from the higher pay rates.

In addition to higher rates of pay, Waitrose’s owners will also offer a welcome payment of £1,000 to new LGV Drivers with C+E licences joining the business before November 2021 as they enter their peak trading period.

The company added that it is planning to invest in driver recruitment and training by establishing a driver training programme to allow existing partners and new recruits without LGV experience to train up. This, the John Lewis Partnership explained, will help address the acute shortage of drivers, which is affecting the entire industry.

Mark Robinson, director of supply chain for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “There’s never been a better time to get behind the wheel for Waitrose and John Lewis. We’re responding quickly to the national driver shortage by ensuring our drivers are paid competitively and by investing in training for the future.”

He added: “These changes will mean that we can continue to serve our customers well and get them the products they need.”