The retailer will purchase 13 former Somerfield stores in an agreement with The Co-operative Group. Waitrose will also open at least nine new branches this year.
The conversion of the acquired stores will start this spring. Over 1,000 employees at the former Somerfield stores will join Waitrose and the firm has pledged to create 500 new jobs at these branches,
The nine new stores will result in more than 2,000 jobs with an additional 500 in operational support.
Waitrose's managing director, Mark Price, said: "We are delighted 4,000 new employees will be joining our business and look forward to welcoming them to share in the unique benefits of the John Lewis Partnership."
All Waitrose employees are partners in the John Lewis Partnership and, as co-owners, receive a share of annual profits.
Waitrose: nine new stores and more than 3,000 jobs
Waitrose is to employ 3,000 new members of staff this year, plus a further 1,000 former Somerfield employees.
