John Lewis has issued a major update for some people on Universal Credit. The retailer has committed to providing 1,000 additional jobs to young people who have been through the care system, as the retailer extends a programme aimed at supporting one of Britain's most vulnerable groups into employment.
The employee-owned business said it would take on an extra 1,000 care-experienced young people by 2030, more than doubling its earlier pledge. The announcement comes as official statistics reveal more than one million young people across the UK are presently not in employment, education or training (NEET) – the highest figure in over a decade.
Care leavers are regarded as amongst the groups most vulnerable to falling into prolonged unemployment. Research commissioned by the Government from former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn identified care-experienced young people as one of the four highest-risk NEET categories.
Building Happier Futures Programme
The John Lewis Partnership, which operates both John Lewis and Waitrose, established its Building Happier Futures programme in 2022 to assist young people who have been raised in foster care, children's homes or under local authority guardianship to access work opportunities. Since the programme's launch, more than 450 care-experienced young people have obtained positions through the initiative.
The retailer has also delivered more than 1,700 welcome visits and 1,200 job-shadowing placements intended to help young people build confidence and gain experience prior to seeking employment. Under the fresh pledge, the Partnership intends to provide a minimum of 250 positions annually through to 2030.
The opportunities will be accessible throughout John Lewis and Waitrose shops, distribution centres, head offices and the firm's five hotels. A significant proportion of these will be permanent positions, while those participating in seasonal or temporary contracts will be given employability skills training and guidance designed to assist them in securing more stable employment.
The initiative was created with contributions from individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the care system and is backed by specially trained staff members throughout the organisation.
Leadership Comments
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."
In addition to the enhanced care-leaver pledge, the Partnership has also revealed intentions to participate in the Government's recently launched Jobs Guarantee scheme.
Eligibility for Building Happier Futures
The programme targets 18 to 24-year-olds who have been receiving Universal Credit and actively seeking employment for a minimum of 18 months. John Lewis said it will initially offer 30 positions within Waitrose shops as part of the pilot programme. Those taking part will be given six months of paid work, training, CV assistance, interview coaching and mentoring aimed at helping them move into long-term employment.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden welcomed the announcement. He said: "Care leavers face some of the most significant barriers to employment and that is a huge waste of talent and potential. John Lewis is a great British company and I welcome this commitment to roles for care-experienced young people and to our Jobs Guarantee, which shows what can be achieved when employers invest in the future of young people."
The Government has committed £2.5 billion to youth employment initiatives, with ministers targeting support for nearly one million young people into employment, education or training schemes.
