New fund launched to tackle inequality in the workplace

Half-a-million pounds is being made available to help break down inequality in the workplace.

The £500,000 fund was launched by Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn during a visit to Fife.

It will offer grants to private and third sector organisations to help them reduce employment inequalities, discrimination and barriers for minority ethnic people, women, disabled people and older workers.

Locally, it will be overseen by the Voluntary Action Fund, which is based in Inverkeithing.

Mr Hepburn met staff from VAF, who gave him a demonstration of the online application system.

He said it represented a major step towards equality.

“We want the same employment opportunities for all so that everyone, irrespective of gender, race or disability, has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and improve Scotland’s economic performance as a result.

“I am delighted to open applications for the workplace equality fund, which will make funding available to businesses to change attitudes, cultures and workplace practices.

“I would strongly encourage every employer to find out how they and their workforce can use this fund to remove barriers to equality.”

The cash will be targeted particularly at organisations working in the arts, culture, leisure, tourism, finance, manufacturing, construction, agriculture and fishing, transport and communication and STEM sectors.

The fund has been created to support the Scottish Government’s programme for government, race equality framework, disability action plan and Scotland’s labour market strategy.