The Scotsman

Thousands of Scots supported by new sanction-free employment service

- By TOM EDEN

new employment service in Scotland that removes the threat of sanctions has supported almost 5,000 people within the first six months.

The Fair Start Scotland scheme was launched in April, with 4,978 people voluntaril­y enrolling to receive help finding a job.

Out-of-work Scots can either be referred by their Jobcentre or ask to be put forward to participat­e without the risk of it affecting any benefits.

Although the number of those who joined and then found jobs has not yet been released, Fair Work Minister Jamie Hepburn has praised the initiative.

He said: “Despite only being in its first year, Fair Start Scotland has hit the ground running and is already helping almost 5,000 people move towards and into employment in a respectful and dignified way.

“While it’s too early to know the impact in terms of sustainabl­e jobs, the positive start Fair Start Scotland has made means people can choose to take part without fear it will affect existing benefits.

“We are keen to encourage people to take advantage of the employabil­ity support Fair Start Scotland offers.

“For the first time we are now getting and publishing details on Fair Start Scotland, which will help us ensure that the service is reaching the individual­s it was intended to support.

“The Scottish Government will continue to learn from and build on our existing work and deliver the fair and inclusive Scotland we all wish to see.”

The £96 million policy, which uses powers devolved following the 2014 referendum, is financed by a £20m commitment from the Scota tish Government in addition to UK Government funding. Almost two-thirds (61 per cent) of those joining the service were aged 35 or over, while women accounted for more than a third (35 per cent) of the people enrolled.

More than half (58 per cent) of participan­ts were reported as disabled, with 69 per cent of the total having a long-term health condition, the most common of which related to mental health.

 ??  ?? 0 Jamie Hepburn has praised Fair Start Scotland initiative
0 Jamie Hepburn has praised Fair Start Scotland initiative

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