Page 22 Building and operating sustainable shops


Jobs and training for local people
In partnership with our developers, we take a 'hands-on' approach to all developments to make sure these recommendations are followed through. Our Personnel teams get involved in talking to the Council and other local organisations such as job centres about employment and training opportunities. By engaging with local schools and colleges as soon as we can, we can start to address relevant skill requirements.

Our shops generally provide anything up to 1,000 full- or part-time jobs, as well as raise the profile of a career in retail. We are involved with a range of different programmes that support industry and education. Our John Lewis Bluewater shop has worked with the Shaw Trust, a national charity that provides training and work opportunities for people disadvantaged by disability, ill health or other social circumstances.


Leicester's job shop
Although shop floor selling Partners are a vital part of the mix, all our shops require a broad range of personnel, from managers to van drivers, kitchen planners to furnishing advisers, and chefs to security staff. For example, a major campaign to recruit up to 700 Partners for our new Leicester shop has been launched to ensure that local people are ready to apply for the vacancies. This will build on the links already developed with the Highcross development where the store will be located, as well as the local community and Job Centre Plus.

(Picture of a laptop computer with the caption:)

Our multi-channel approach call centres, home delivery and the www.johnlewis.com website ensure everyone can access our goods easily. Access all areas
As a responsible member of the community, we want to ensure all customers are welcomed into our shops and can access our products and services. We are also committed to meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and have integrated the principles of accessibility into the design, construction and operation of all our shops, so that products are quick to find, and information is easy to access and simple to understand.

To help customers with disabilities, we provide reserved parking bays close to shop entrances where possible and offer accessible lifts, toilets and till points. Fixed loops at cash desks for customers with hearing difficulties are an integral part of the design for our new shops and all existing shops have a mobile hearing loop available for use. In addition, leaflets, literature and corporate documents are provided in alternative formats such as audio, Braille and large print.

All Partners receive general training that raises their awareness of the need to be vigilant, and respond accordingly, to each customer's individual needs.


Safety and health
Legally, we have to make sure our Partners' working environment is safe and healthy. We set and maintain high standards, and aim to minimise, if not eliminate, risks to safety and health from people, plant or processes. Management Partners are responsible for the safety and health of their teams by implementing the Partnership's Safety and Health policy.


Further information
> www.forumforthefuture.org
Forum for the Future

> www.breeam.org/retail
BREEAM

> www.bcsc.org.uk/research/sustainability/charter.asp
BCSC Sustainability Charter