Mayfield appointed to Government Commission

The Commission, which will launch in April, will examine the role of employers in ensuring that the country’s employment and skills system works in balance with the needs of the business and public services. It will also encourage investment by employers in workforce skills.

The Commission will be chaired by BT chairman Sir Michael Rake.

Mayfield, who is a keen supporter of schemes that encourage the development of key skills among workers and promote staff retention, said: “Raising skills levels is vital to the future prosperity of the UK. I am delighted to be given this opportunity to work with the Government and other stakeholders to develop and nurture the talent of our workforce. This appointment is recognition of the John Lewis Partnership’s commitment to developing the skills and careers of our partners.”

John Lewis Partnership wants to recruit at least 90,000 employees over the next five years, because it plans to double the size of the business by 2017.

Mayfield added: “Recruiting and retaining staff as we grow without compromising on our commitment to customer service is a major challenge. Therefore, developing the skills of our partners will be critical to achieving our aims.”