Improving the Lives of Scotland's Gypsy/ Travellers 2: action plan 2024-2026 - easy read

4. Benefits, work and dealing with poverty

What communities told us:

• need more support to understand the benefits system and what financial support they can get
• communities need more support when applying for benefits

Community members prefer face-to-face support, rather than having to do things online.

• have more information and support to start businesses - ways for people to build their skills and knowledge in running a small business or being self-employed
• more cultural awareness for employers

Gypsy/Travellers are often not treated fairly when they apply for jobs.

We need to tell employers about the skills that Gypsy/Travellers communities have.

• need for more access to skills and trades for young people

We need better ways for young Gypsy/Traveller people to get apprenticeships.

We need ways for mentoring and training in communities and family businesses to be developed and recognised.

A mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person.

Objective 19

Make it easier for people to get the benefits they need.

Objective 20

Link with Lead Officers for Gypsy/Traveller sites in council areas to show good ways of working with Gypsy/Traveller communities.

Objective 21

Understand how Government plans may need to change to include what Gypsy/Travellers communities need.

Objective 22

Have better ways to support Gypsy/Traveller communities that do not have enough food.

We must make sure they know what money is available as support.

Objective 23

Help employers to understand what makes it difficult for Gypsy/Travellers to get jobs.

Make guidance for employers on what they can do to make this better.

Objective 24

Have ways to make it easier for communities to get support to find a job or start a business.