Recession? What recession? Staff at John Lewis were rewarded for their sterling work with an eye-popping 15 per cent bonus.

Employees at the Broad Street store were jumping for joy yesterday when managing director Gordon Stenton unveiled their hefty handout – worth nearly eight weeks’ pay.

Reading’s sales figures, announced for the 12 months to January 2010, were 1.8 per cent up year-on-year thanks to a bumper Christmas.

The windfall came after the retail giant announced a healthy 2.8 per cent rise in yearly sales across its 26 stores to £2.9 billion.

The partnership bonus payment totals £151.3 million, which is £27 million higher than the 13 per cent given to each of the 70,000 partners last year.

There was a jubilant atmosphere in Reading as five partners used a giant arrow to burst the huge balloon containing the bonus envelope.

Among those celebrating was Jennifer Davis, 21, section manager of the linen department, who is putting the money towards her wedding.

She said: “There is no way I thought it would be higher than last year, so to get 15 per cent is absolutely fantastic. The money will go towards my dress and I will spend some of it on the bridesmaids too.”

Service desk worker Andy Ward, 40, intends to use the extra cash to prepare for the arrival of his first child in five weeks time.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It will help get our baby off to a good start. We all put the work and graft in for it.”

Despite the economic downturn, the John Lewis Partnership – which includes Waitrose – still reported a strong balance sheet, which showed a £454 million rise in group sales to £7.4 billion.

Mr Stenton said the Reading store had performed well thanks to the work of its staff. He said: “2009 was a year of two halves. The first half was challenging but the second half was fantastic.

“This was helped by a great Christmas period when sales increased by 6.6 per cent, despite the worst snow in 30 years.

“We have really focused on offering excellent customer service and I would like to thank all partners at John Lewis Reading for their continuous hard work and commitment.

“They thoroughly deserve this.”

The company has just begun a £14.1 million refurb of the Reading store which will include improvements to the lifts, flooring, lighting and shop frontage.

Charlie Mayfield, chairman of John Lewis Partnership, said: “Partners have shown tremendous commitment during changing times. I am therefore delighted they will share fairly in the financial rewards of a successful year.”

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