The John Lewis Partnership has announced that it will hire over 300 care experienced young people by January 2025.

The initiative is part of its Building Happier Futures programme under which the partnership has already hired 79 people with care experience.

John Lewis said that the announcement coincides with Foster Care Fortnight, run by The Fostering Network, and highlights the Partnership’s work in providing “meaningful career opportunities for people with experience of the care system.”

“We are passionate about improving the lives of young care experienced people,” said Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis partnership. “That's why we are running dedicated employability schemes, offering young people opportunities that, through no fault of their own, have been out of reach until now.

“This new ambition, as part of our Building Happier Futures programme, signals our commitment to help care experienced people gain skills and experience that sets them up in their careers.”

Last month John Lewis announced that Bérangère 'Bey' Michel, executive director for finance at the John Lewis Partnership will leave the retailer later this autumn to pursue other career opportunities after 16 years.

Michel has held a range of senior leadership positions in retail supply chain and customer operations at the Partnership across both John Lewis and Waitrose, highlighted by her time as executive and board director for the John Lewis Partnership.

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