John Lewis Partnership has committed to recruiting an additional 1,000 young people who have experienced care by 2030, more than doubling its previous target.

The promise forms part of the employee-owned retail group’s Building Happier Futures programme, which launched in 2022 and aims to support care-experienced individuals to enter the world of employment.

The scheme so far has offered jobs to over 450 care-experienced young people and provided 1,700 welcome visits and 1,200 job shadowing placements.

John Lewis’ new revised commitment will see the Partnership offer at least 250 roles a year.

The retailer said many of the positions will be permanent and offer individuals the chance to build a long-term career within the business. 

The programme is active at all John Lewis Partnership sites across the UK, including John Lewis and Waitrose shops, offices, warehouses, and its five hotels. 

Building Happier Futures is delivered by employees with Care Aware training, equipping them to understand and support care-experienced people.

John Lewis Partnership chair Jason Tarry 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.”

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