Staff at John Lewis in Kingston were celebrating on Wednesday, March 11, when the store announced a 13 per cent bonus for all workers.

The lump sum, equivalent to seven weeks salary, will arrive in their March pay packet after John Lewis divided up a £125m bonus pot among its 69,000 staff across the UK.

John Lewis is co-owned by employees and is seen as a barometer for the retail sector.

The figure is down from 20 per cent last year, because the John Lewis Partnership’s operating profit fell 18 per cent to £323.5m.

The store did however see sales at its 27 stores increase by 3 per cent to £6.97bn.

Despite the lower 2009 bonus, staff at the Wood Street store were delighted with the bonus figure after a tough year of trading.

Linda Brooks, a sales assistant in ladies’ fashion, said: “It’s great. We weren’t expecting anywhere near 13 per cent and we’re lucky compared with other retailers, who are having to cut staff or close stores.

“I’m off to Australia for a month soon so the bonus will help pay for the trip.”

Managing director of John Lewis Kingston, David Barford, addressed many of the 1,039 staff on Wednesday, during a special announcement. He said: “In an environment where a bonus culture has become a dirty word it is so great to be in a business that shares its bonus solely with its partners.”