Work placements offered to care leavers

Severn Trent Water is to create hundreds of work placements for young people who have been in care across the Midlands.

There have been calls in recent years for better support for young people leaving care, rather than what has been described as a "care cliff" as they reach 18. Part of that is around work prospects.

Severn Trent said it planned to offer placements directly for 100 care leavers over the next four years, with another 300 available through a partnership with other employers across the region.

"Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every young person leaving care in the Midlands has access to a meaningful work experience opportunity," said HR Director Neil Morrison.

"We must continue to work together for those living in our region and give people the opportunity to reach their true potential," he added.

A spokesperson for Severn Trent said it had the "ultimate aim" to see more young people in work, and out of risk of poverty.

It said the announcement came at a time where the number of young people not in education, employment or training was nearing one million, the highest in a decade.

Figures released last year also showed a huge rise in the number of care leavers in England facing homelessness.

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Treasury, said the firm's commitment to helping people into work, including care leavers and ex-offenders, was an example of how business can "drive real change in our communities".