John Lewis staff to help at 2012

John Lewis says its staff will spend 30,000 hours helping out at next year's Olympic Games in London.

A number of "secondees" will work in logistics, warehousing and recruitment for up to 18 months - before returning to their jobs at the company.

It comes as a campaign to help 1,000 residents from deprived Olympic host boroughs get on the career ladder begins.

London 2012 sponsors Deloitte and BP, together with the Business in the Community charity, have joined forces as part of the arc project.

It aims to support around 200 social enterprises over four years, including 30 in its first year.