John Lewis has announced a major commitment to provide 1,000 additional jobs for young people on Universal Credit who have experience in the care system. The retailer is expanding its Building Happier Futures programme, aiming to help one of the UK's most disadvantaged groups into employment.
Expanding the Pledge
The employee-owned retail giant confirmed it would take on an extra 1,000 care-experienced young people by 2030, more than doubling its original promise. The announcement comes as official statistics reveal that over one million young people across the UK are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET) – the highest figure in over a decade. Care leavers are considered among those most at risk of long-term unemployment.
Research for the Government by former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn identified care-experienced young people as one of the four highest-risk NEET groups. The John Lewis Partnership, which operates John Lewis and Waitrose, launched its Building Happier Futures programme in 2022 to assist young people who grew up in foster care, children's homes, or under local authority guardianship in accessing work opportunities.
Programme Impact
Since the initiative began, more than 450 care-experienced young people have secured jobs through the scheme. The retailer has also facilitated over 1,700 welcome visits and 1,200 job-shadowing placements, designed to build confidence and experience before entering the job market. Under the new pledge, the Partnership intends to provide at least 250 positions annually until 2030.
The opportunities will be available across John Lewis and Waitrose shops, distribution centres, head offices, and the firm's five hotels. A significant number of the vacancies will be permanent, while those in seasonal or temporary roles will receive employability training and guidance to help them secure more stable employment.
Support and Partnerships
The scheme was developed with input from individuals with direct care system experience and is backed by specially trained staff throughout the organisation. 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 will participate in the Government's new Jobs Guarantee scheme. This programme targets 18 to 24-year-olds who have been receiving Universal Credit and actively seeking employment for at least 18 months. John Lewis will initially provide 30 positions within Waitrose stores as part of the trial.
Criteria and Benefits
Participants will receive six months of paid employment, training, CV assistance, interview coaching, and mentoring to help them transition into permanent work. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden praised the announcement: "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 towards youth employment schemes, aiming to support nearly one million young people into work, education, or training opportunities.
