John Lewis Partnership is to offer additional paid leave to all new and existing foster carers within its company, strengthening its commitment to support care experienced people.
From today, John Lewis and Waitrose employees will receive an additional week of leave, becoming the latest organisation to receive Foster Friendly employer accreditation from the Fostering Network.
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The move comes months after John Lewis unveiled its iconic Christmas advert which highlighted the foster care system.
The retailer has also become the largest organisation to receive Foster Friendly accreditation via the Fostering Network, which acknowledges the Partnership as a Foster Friendly employer just a few months after launching its Building Happier Futures programme.
“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,” John Lewis chair Dame Sharon White said.
“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.”
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