Home » UK Employment news » John Lewis sets out plans to become ’employer of choice’ for care leavers

John Lewis sets out plans to become ’employer of choice’ for care leavers

By Nagasunder in UK Employment news, posted October 20, 2022

John Lewis Partnership has laid out plans to support young people leaving the care system to “find meaningful jobs”.

The partnership said young people are too often overlooked by employers and its long term ambition.

Their ambition is to become the employer of choice particularly during the cost of living crisis.

It is creating a “Building Happier Futures” employment programme

This will employ more care experienced people in more parts of the country.

The group will work with small businesses, charities and community organisations.

They will hire or further the career of someone who is care experienced

John Lewis will also launch dedicated apprenticeships for care leavers and offer financial support.

This is for young people who have been in care to pursue further or higher education.

The retail giant is supporting the calls being made by care experienced people for government action and investment to improve the life chances of young people.

The calls are urging the government to give young people in care a right to a continuous caring presence, regardless of age or postcode.

This is in a portion of the significant amount in unspent apprenticeship levy should be used to provide targeted support for those leaving care to be able to afford to pursue further education.

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For the last 18 months, John Lewis has been working with councils and charities in Manchester, Birmingham, London, Nottingham and Essex

This is to provide training and employment in John Lewis and Waitrose stores to care experienced young people.

John Lewis Partnership chair, Sharon White said. “The John Lewis Partnership from its very foundations has always had a strong social purpose – providing healthcare before the NHS.

"We want over time to become the employer of choice for young people leaving the care system.

"We know they make fantastic Partners (employees) and we can in turn provide the opportunity for meaningful work and the chance to progress. We would love to join forces with other businesses wishing to recruit so we can help more young people.”

Source: Retail Gazette

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