The retailer is vowing to help one of the UK’s most disadvantaged groups
John Lewis has made a major announcement that affects a number of young people on Universal Credit. The retailer has committed to providing 1,000 additional jobs for young people who are eligible.
It is aimed at those who have been through the care system, as the retailer broadens a scheme aimed at helping one of the UK’s most vulnerable groups into employment. 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 pledge.
The announcement comes as official statistics reveal that more than one million young people across the UK are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET) – the highest figure recorded in over a decade. Care leavers are regarded as among those most at risk of falling into long-term unemployment.
Research carried out 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 both John Lewis and Waitrose, launched its Building Happier Futures programme in 2022 to assist young people who have grown up in foster care, children’s homes or under local authority guardianship in accessing work opportunities.
Since the initiative was introduced, more than 450 care-experienced young people have landed jobs through the scheme. The retailer has also facilitated more than 1,700 welcome visits and 1,200 job-shadowing placements, designed to help young people build confidence and gain experience ahead of entering the job market. Under the fresh pledge, the Partnership intends to provide at least 250 positions annually until the decade’s close.
The opportunities will be accessible throughout John Lewis and Waitrose shops, distribution centres, head offices and the firm’s five hotels. A significant number of the vacancies will be permanent posts, while those participating in seasonal or temporary placements will gain employability training and guidance designed to assist them in securing more stable employment.
The scheme was created with contributions from individuals who have direct experience of the care system 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 has revealed it will participate in the Government’s new Jobs Guarantee scheme.
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 announced it will initially provide 30 positions within Waitrose stores as part of the trial scheme.
Criteria for the John Lewis jobs scheme
Participants will be given six months of paid employment, training, CV assistance, interview coaching and mentoring aimed at helping them transition into permanent work. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden praised 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 towards youth employment schemes, with ministers targeting support for nearly one million young people into work, education or training opportunities.
