The John Lewis Partnership will offer additional paid leave to all new and existing foster carers working at John Lewis and Waitrose.

The company has also become the largest organisation to receive Fostering Friendly accreditation via the Fostering Network.

Under the new scheme, all employees with fostering responsibilities will receive an extra week of paid leave.

Commenting on the news Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said that staff will now receive more support for fostering duties and have more flexibility to attend appointments or training sessions.

“There is a national shortage of foster carers, leaving many children without a stable background and unable to fulfil their potential,” she added: “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.”

Earlier this month, White said that company will remain employee owned despite recording £234 million in losses in January.

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