The John Lewis Partnership has pledged to offer a further 1,000 roles to young people who have experienced care by 2030, more than doubling its previous target.
The move builds on the success of the Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme, launched in October 2022, to support young people who have grown up in the care system into employment.
This group, which includes those who have been in foster care, children’s homes or under local authority guardianship, faces some of the steepest barriers to work. Care leavers are more likely to experience unemployment, housing instability and contact with the criminal justice system than their peers.
Since Building Happier Futures launched, it has offered jobs to over 450 care-experienced young people and provided more than 1,700 welcome visits and 1,200 job shadowing placements. Under the new commitment, the Partnership will offer at least 250 roles a year, more than double the yearly average to date.
Many roles will be permanent positions, offering individuals the chance to build a long-term career within the Partnership. Where roles are seasonal or fixed-term, participants benefit from the same tailored employability programme to boost their skills and confidence and support them towards the next step in their career.
Jason Tarry, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said:
“Retail has long offered that all-important first foot on the career ladder. It’s vital that we continue stepping up to support young people, especially those facing significant barriers to employment.
“As an employee-owned business, we’re able to make decisions that benefit society over shareholders, and Building Happier Futures is a shining example. Four years in and it’s needed more than ever, so we’re doubling down on our commitment.”
Author, broadcaster and presenter, Ashley John-Baptiste, grew up in care, moving between five different homes before the age of 18. He now sits on the advisory group for Building Happier Futures, using his own experience to help the Partnership shape the programme.
Ashley said:
“Having been involved in the programme since before its launch, I’ve been lucky enough to meet people who’ve already benefitted, and I’m delighted there will be so many more to come. This is more than just a workplace initiative. It’s about changing what it means to leave the care system – and for the young people it reaches, it can genuinely change the course of their lives.”
The Partnership is also planning to participate in the Government’s new Jobs Guarantee scheme, initially offering 30 roles in Waitrose branches.
Jason Tarry added:
“The results speak for themselves and we’re sharing what we’ve learned to help other businesses develop tailored programmes. But we need the Government to act too. Unlocking Growth and Skills Levy funding for pre-employment training would drive action at a scale that goodwill alone cannot reach.”
