John Lewis scraps bonus for first time since 1953

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John Lewis has confirmed that staff will not receive a bonus for the first time since 1953 after it was hit by lockdown store closures.

The group said it posted a £55m loss for the six months to 25 July after higher costs offset a 1% increase in sales.

Its chairwoman told staff on Thursday the announcement “will come as a blow”.

Even before Covid-19 hit, the chain had warned it might not pay the usual staff bonus as competition ate into profits.