A nuclear firm has signed up to Cumbria County Council’s fostering friendly employer initiative.
Nuclear Waste Services, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s waste management organisation which has responsibility for the Low Level Waste Respository at Drigg, has joined 19 other businesses which have joined the scheme since it was set up in 2015.
Nearly 40 per cent of foster carers combine fostering with other work. Those who do say that a supportive employer can make all the difference, enabling them to balance employment with looking after children.
Martin Walkingshaw, chief operating officer of Nuclear Waste Services, said: “There is a huge requirement for foster carers, so we are delighted to do anything we can do to support our current carers, and perhaps encourage new ones.
“We’re working closely with Cumbria County Council in this initial phase and the Nuclear Waste Services Management board are committed to ensuring that all NWS employees across the UK have the support of the business if they choose fostering.
“This is an important life-decision, so when we have current and potential foster carers within our ranks, it’s right that we implement policies to encourage them.”
In Cumbria there are over 700 children, of all ages, placed in care for many different reasons. The council wants employers to come forward and implement changes as part of their corporate social responsibility to help support its work to recruit and retain foster carers in Cumbria.
The scheme asks for companies to recognise the needs of foster carers in employment policies and help to celebrate fostering and foster carers.
Anne Burns, cabinet member for children’s services, said:
“Cumbria County Council is thrilled to welcome Nuclear Waste Services as a fostering friendly employer.
“The company has put in place a policy to support their employees who foster, recognising the important role foster carers play for the benefit of local children.
“Foster carers provide vulnerable children in Cumbria with all the love, care and stability they need to thrive and many combine this vital role with other employment.
“Additional foster carers are needed now more than ever but we understand that many people who are interested in becoming a foster carer still need or want to do other work, and we don’t want that to be a barrier to fostering. We encourage all employers in Cumbria to follow Nuclear Waste Services in supporting foster carers in this vital role.”
