There are so many reasons why it's not taken off! I wouldn't even agree that John Lewis have done is similar to what the guy has done in the article. From my understanding John Lewis operate a profit share scheme, so in some way it's link to performance. I can get behind that, but I'd struggle to get behind what the bloke has done in this article. I'd have probably left if I worked there.
If you want to help your employees, given them opportunity to grow, and invest in training etc. Doubling salaries for low paid workers is such a bad way to go about it. In the article in mentions the company had a tense 5 months. I bet those staff on over inflated wages were absolutely shitting it. It's all very well saying the staff have been able to buy homes closer to the office. They'd have all been fucked if the company went under. They wouldn't have been able to find another job on the same salary. good look paying that new mortgage when you're back on your regular salary.