£500k for job help

Trade union bosses are celebrating a £500,000 cash boost in breaking down the barriers to employment.

The Workplace Equality Fund will reduce employment inequalities so that everyone — irrespective of gender, race or disability – has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Speaking at an STUC congress this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We want to close the gap between the proportion of men in the workforce and the proportion of women, and tackle barriers to progression and unfair pay differentials.

“But we also know there are employment inequalities across other protected characteristics like race and disability.

“So I am pleased to announce that, through our new Workplace Equality Fund, we will provide an initial £ 500,000 to help address these disparities.”