John Lewis staff get 18pc bonus as profits leap.

(From Manchester Evening News)

Byline: CHRIS BARRY

IT was smiles all round as the region's 1,600 John Lewis staff celebrated an 18 per cent bonus today, after the co- operative business reported a 27 per cent surge in profits to a record GBP319m.

The partnership, which is owned by its 65,000 staff, said employees would share a bonus pot of GBP155m - the equivalent of more than nine weeks' pay.

Sales in the year to January 27 rose 11 per cent to to GBP6.4bn, boosted by fashion and electrical sales. Chairman Sir Stuart Hampton said the John Lewis department stores had a "simply stunning" year, led by sales of electrical and home goods. John …