John Lewis offers paid leave to foster carers

The John Lewis Partnership has announced that it will offer additional paid leave to all new foster carers within its businesses (John Lewis and Waitrose) – furthering its commitment to support care experienced people.

The retailer stated that it has become the “largest” organisation to receive Fostering Friendly accreditation via the Fostering Network.

The accolade acknowledges the partnership as a Fostering Friendly employer just a few months after launching its Building Happier Futures programme to support the care experienced community, and its Christmas ad featuring new foster carers.

Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We are incredibly proud to be giving even more support to our partners who are foster carers. They will now qualify for an additional week of paid leave, meaning they will have more flexibility to balance all the things they need to be great foster carers – attending appointments or undertaking training.

“There is a national shortage of foster carers, leaving many children without a stable background and unable to fulfil their potential. We are delighted to be playing our part to support foster carers as part of a broader programme of helping care experienced young people to get access to jobs and training in the partnership.”

Kate Lawson, director of external affairs at the Fostering Network and Building Happier Futures advisory board representative, added: “The John Lewis Partnership have done so much to support foster care and provide opportunities for care for experienced young people.

“From helping the fostering community recruit more and much needed foster carers with their outstanding Christmas advert, to forming the Building Happier Futures scheme. We are thrilled that their support does not stop there. Becoming a Fostering Friendly employer – the largest one in the UK – and joining the fostering community is something to be really proud of. This is key in supporting foster carer employees and recognising the vital difference they make to the lives of children and young people.”

Claire Coutinho, minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, concluded: “I’ve met so many inspiring foster carers who make sure that children in their care have a safe and loving home, so it’s fantastic to see the John Lewis Partnership offering additional paid leave to all new foster carers within its businesses.”

“There are so many benefits to being a foster carer, which is why we’ve committed to offering even more support through our Children’s social care strategy. We’re also investing over £27m to deliver a fostering recruitment and retention programme, so even more foster care is available for the children who need it.”