CARE leavers in Monmouthshire could be guaranteed an interview for council jobs, provided they meet the basic criteria in the job description.

A decision will be made next week by Monmouthshire County Council’s individual cabinet members as to whether a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for care leavers should be set up.

The proposal comes after care leavers told the council in October that “they felt there was a shortage of apprenticeships and opportunities.”

A report on the issue says: “The care leavers also felt that the local authority has a duty to support them when looking for work and felt that by having a guaranteed interview for this would go some way to ensuring they have the same access to opportunities.”

Currently ex-armed forces and people with disabilities benefit from a GIS.

If approved, vacancies within the council would be promoted through Careers Wales, council youth enterprise projects and other relevant partnership networks.

The report to be considered by the individual cabinet members says “with the support of the GIS young people will have the same support as their peers and can go on to gain employment and training.”

This comes after the Children’s Commissioner for Wales produce a report in 2015 asking the Welsh Government, local authorities and charities to make sure that young people leaving care have the right support.

The decision will be made on Wednesday, April 8.