Thousands helped by Fair Start Scotland

People struggling to secure or retain permanent employment can access free support delivered by trained advisers.

The national employment service Fair Start Scotland provides personalised and tailored support to those who have struggled to find and stay in work due to their personal circumstances. This may include caring commitments, health conditions or disabilities or other challenges caused by long-term unemployment.

A new marketing campaign has launched to ensure more people can access advice and support, including those who may be finding it more difficult to secure and retain employment as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Employment and Fair Work Minister Richard Lochhead said:

“We know that for some people finding work can be a difficult process. The Scottish Government’s Fair Start Scotland service provides people with practical support and advice which is tailored to the needs of the individual. Centred around dignity and respect, the service is there to help those who are having difficulty finding employment.

“The pandemic has created greater uncertainty in the labour market and that is why we want to reassure people across the country that expert support and assistance is there for them. Since launching in 2018 more than 32,500 have accessed advice and support from this service and now we want to reach even more people who could benefit.”

Rachel Walker, aged 26 from Carluke, was referred to Fair Start Scotland in March 2021. The advice and support she received helped her secure an administrative role.

Ms Walker said:

“The support I received through Fair Start Scotland has been first class. My key worker helped build my confidence and encouraged me to take the right steps back into employment. As someone who is blind I had limited pathways into work, however, Scott always kept me upbeat, and I have recently secured a role. I am over the moon and I would recommend the service to anyone looking to move back into work.”

Background

https://www.mygov.scot/help-find-job/

Since launching in April 2018 more than 32,500 people have benefitted from free support delivered by trained advisers.

Fair Start Scotland is Scotland’s first fully devolved employment support service which became operational in April 2018. It aims to provide support to people who want help to find and stay in work, with services delivered by different providers across the country.

Rachel Walker has suffered an enduring mental health condition after losing her sight as a teenager due to a degenerative condition. After completing her high school education and an HND at college, her condition held her back from being able to use her qualifications to gain meaningful employment. Rachel was given support by one of Fair Start Scotland’s partners Remploy, who helped her to find the right roles to apply for, and provided assistance throughout the application and interview processes.