Care leavers in Hunts set for new support thanks to Lib Dem councillors

Care leavers in Huntingdonshire are set for extra support getting a job, thanks to changes secured by Liberal Democrat councillors.

According to ONS data, care leavers aged 19 to 21 are three times more likely to be out of work, education, or training compared to their peers. Care leavers often face bigger systemic barriers to employment opportunities than other candidates, which can be caused by fewer previous opportunities, transport barriers, and other issues.

This week, Lib Dem-led Huntingdonshire District Council has updated its recruitment policy, meaning care leavers who apply for a job and meet the requirements in the job description are guaranteed an interview.

The change is in line with a growing number of public and private sector organisations, including many organisations that support the care leavers covenant.

Offering a guaranteed interview if a care leaver meets the job requirements helps level the playing field, remove systemic barriers that care leavers often face, and gives care leavers real world experience of the interview process even if they don't secure the role.

The change at HDC follows Liberal Democrat councillors securing stronger commitments to protect care leavers being included in HDC's updated corporate plan, which was approved earlier this year.

Cllr Nathan Hunt, Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance (Lib Dem) said:

“This is yet another step we're taking to build a fairer Huntingdonshire. We promised earlier this year to introduce more support for care leavers, and we're delivering on that promise.”

Cllr Stephen Claffey, Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation, and Workforce (Lib Dem) said:

“Many care leavers face barriers to employment that most of us don't face, and it's right that we do what we can to address this. The changes we've made mean that if a care leaver applies for a job and they're qualified to do it, they'll get the chance to make their case in an interview.”