Official Statistics in Development

Official statistics in development are official statistics that are undergoing development; they may be new or existing statistics, and will be tested with users, in line with the standards of trustworthiness, quality, and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics. These were previously referred to as experimental statistics.

Users should be aware that official statistics in development may have a wider degree of uncertainty and require extra caution when interpreting results.

In addition, there can be a delay between participants starting to receive No One Left Behind support and this being reported to the Scottish Government while the process of verifying eligibility takes place. This means participants who started in earlier quarters may not be reported until subsequent quarters. Therefore, data for the most recent quarters should be considered provisional.

We continue to work with data suppliers to improve the accuracy and quality of returns following the move to the SMF Data Template. We have implemented an enhanced process of data quality checks targeted at those areas requiring the most development. We will re-assess the official statistics in development label at the end of 2025. Please see the supplementary Background and Methodology Report for more details.  

Introduction

No One Left Behind is a strategy for placing people at the centre of the design and delivery of employability services. Key features of this approach to consider when reviewing these statistics are contained in Table 1 of the supplementary Background and Methodology Report.

Since April 2019, a range of Scottish Government funding has been made available to Local Government partners as the scope of delivery under No One Left Behind expanded over time. This includes:

• funding for the initial phase of No One Left Behind (April 2019),
• the Parental Employability Support Fund (February 2020) and
• the Young Person’s Guarantee (November 2020).

Since February 2022, the statistics in this publication have included people supported by the totality of these funds. The funding aims to provide support for people of all ages, with a range of differing characteristics and circumstances, including parents, who need help on their journey towards work. Note that the statistics in this publication relate only to Scottish Government funded activity and do not report on the entirety of employability related activity in each Local Authority area.

Shared Measurement Framework

The first SMF publication was released in April 2022 and subsequently updated in December 2022 to reflect work undertaken with Local Authorities during the summer of 2022 to agree and finalise the new data template to be used for collection of No One Left Behind employability statistics.

The initial data recommendations built on existing data collection practices and activity in place between Local and Scottish Government, formalising key data items collected around the ‘progression’ theme. The new data collection template is further aligned with the ‘reach’ and ‘progression’ themes of the SMF and the data published in this report increasingly reflects this.

The SMF publication is not a final product and more work is required to develop certain areas and themes. These will be particularly important to help us understand the journeys and achievements of those who are furthest away from the labour market and to develop the range of data that we publish.

Participant journeys will differ in nature and pace, and progression and achievements will vary based on what a positive outcome means to that individual. This means broadening our understanding of success from a focus on job outcomes to focus on the actual steps taken and progress made towards work.

We first published statistics on participants supported by No One Left Behind in February 2021 for year 1 participants, derived from the aggregate data that was collected during that period. Since then we have developed year 1 data and combined it with data collected quarterly for subsequent periods, which has allowed us to provide more detailed information for year 1 participants, including their achievements. It should be noted that the flexibility of the No One Left Behind approach allows people to come in and out of support as often as is needed, so the time between the initial start date and that to achieve certain progression outcomes can vary considerably.

Reach of Services: Who are we reaching and what challenges do they face?

SMF Theme 1 – Reach: Employability services are reaching all those who need support to progress towards, move into and sustain fair work.

All Participants

A total of 73,470 people started receiving support from April 2019 to September 2024. The number of people receiving support has increased over time from 2,642 in year 1 (2019/20) to 21,919 in year 5 (2023/24). In the most recent quarter (July - September 2024) 5,424 people started to receive support.

Age

Most people supported through No One Left Behind were aged under 25 (55%; 40,310). Of these, 29,415 (73%) were aged 15 to 19 and 10,895 (27%) were aged 20 to 24. The remaining 32,578 (44%) participants were aged 25 and over, with 11,557 (35%) aged 25 to 34, 14,430 (44%) aged 35 to 49 while 6,591 (20%) were aged 50 or over.

The proportional difference between the under 25 and 25 and over age groups has decreased since the start of No One Left Behind, with 44% aged under 25 and 55% aged 25 and over in the most recent full year (2023/24) compared with 84% aged under 25 and 14% aged 25 and over in the first year (2019/20).

In the latest quarter, people aged under 25 represented 47% of participants and people aged 25 and over represented 53%. Year 5 is the first year where the proportion of participants aged 25 and over was higher than those aged under 25, a trend that continues in year 6 so far.

The notable increase in participation of people under 25 in Year 2 Quarter 4 coincides with the introduction of additional funding to support young people. Since Year 3 quarter 2 the proportion of participants aged under 25 years has generally decreased.

Figure 1: The proportion of people aged 25 and over starting No One Left Behind has been increasing

Participants starting No One Left Behind, by age and quarter, April 2019 to September 2024

Sex

Most people starting on No One Left behind were male (54%; 39,552), while the remaining 33,298 (45%) were female. Sex was unknown for 1% (620) of participants. Overall the difference in sex has remained relatively stable over time. In the most recent quarter, there were slightly more male participants (2,838; 52%) than female (2,517; 46%).

Sex differences by age are more varied. For the middle age groups, 25 to 34 and 35 to 49, female participants account for the highest proportion of participants, 56% and 60%, respectively. The youngest age group, 15 to 19, has the lowest proportion of female  participants at 37%.

Ethnicity

Overall, people from a minority ethnic background have accounted for 10% (7,386) of participants since April 2019. The proportion of minority ethnic participants has varied across years with the highest proportion (14%) in the most recent full year (year 5 – 2023/24). In the most recent quarter (July – September 2024), the proportion was 14%. There are age differences. Since April 2019, the proportion of people aged 25 and over from a minority ethnic background is 17%, compared to 5% for those aged under 25.

All figures should be interpreted with caution as some percentages are based on small numbers and the proportion of unknowns has varied over time. However there has been improvement in the proportion of unknowns with the lowest proportion (4%) observed in the most recent full year (year 5 – 2023/24).

Long-Term Health Condition

Data on long-term health conditions was reported for the first time in February 2024. Overall, 19,838 (27%) people have reported a long-term health condition (LTHC). However, this has only been possible since October 2022 and the introduction of the SMF data template, though data for earlier years has been retrospectively provided for some participants. 

Since October 2022, the proportion of participants reporting a LTHC has ranged from 39 – 45%. The proportion of participants that reported a LTHC was highest in the two most recent quarters (45%).

Of those 19,838 participants reporting a LTHC, over half (10,911; 55%) reported one condition, while a further 5,074 (26%) reported two conditions and 3,853 (19%) reported three or more conditions. The most commonly reported LTHCs are a mental health condition (15% of all participants), a long-term illness, disease or condition (7% of all participants) and a learning difficulty (6% of all participants).

In the most recent quarter (July - September 2024), 2,467 (45%) of participants reported a LTHC, with 25% of all participants reporting a mental health condition, 11% reporting a long-term illness, disease or condition and 11% reporting a learning difficulty.

Disability

Not all participants with a LTHC are defined as disabled which also considers the impact a LTHC has on day-to-day activity (see supplementary Background and Methodology Report for full disability definition).

Overall, 21% (15,393) of participants accessing No One Left Behind support were disabled. The proportion of participants with a disability has varied across years and may have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the change in how this data was collected following the introduction of the SMF Data Template. The proportion of participants reporting a disability was 26% in year 5. In the most recent quarter (July - September 2024), the proportion was 32%.

These figures should be used with caution as some percentages are based on very small numbers and the proportion of unknowns can vary across time periods.

Figure 2: No One Left Behind participants are most likely to be male, white and under 20

Equality Characteristics of People Starting No One Left Behind, April 2019 to September 2024

Trans Status

Trans status was reported for the first time in July 2023. This variable was first included in the SMF Data Template and is only available for participants starting on or after the 1st October 2022. This question is voluntary.

Overall, 1% of participants (494 people) have responded yes to the question on trans status. Of these, 41% (202) identified as a trans man, 36% (179) as a non-binary person, 14% (69) as a trans woman, with the remaining 9% (44 participants) choosing the “other” option.

Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation was reported for the first time in July 2024. Overall, 68% (49,652) of participants identify as straight / heterosexual, 3% (1,846) of participants identify as bisexual, 1% (1,059) as gay or lesbian, and 1% (527) as other sexual orientation. The proportion of unknowns is high at 28% (20,386), but has been reducing over time, from 69% in year 1 (2019/20) to 16% in year 5 (2023/24).

For participants starting in the most recent quarter, 81% (4,377) identified as straight or heterosexual, 3% (152) as bisexual, 2% (94) as gay or lesbian, and 1% (37) as other sexual orientation. The proportion of unknowns for the most recent quarter was 14%, the lowest proportion to date.

All figures should be interpreted with caution as some percentages are based on small numbers and the proportion of unknowns has varied across time periods.

Characteristics and Circumstances

Prior to the SMF Data Template, information on participant’s characteristics and circumstances was collected as a single variable with multiple options. While more than one option could be chosen, often only the most significant characteristic or circumstance was selected. This means data prior to October 2022 has a significant number of unknowns. 

The SMF Data Template collects data on characteristics and circumstances as stand-alone mandatory variables. This has significantly improved the proportion of unknowns across these variables.

Unless otherwise stated, the following data was reported for the first time in February 2024.

No or Limited Work Experience

Lack of work experience may be a barrier to gaining employment opportunities. In the most recent quarter, 2,237 people (41%) reported having no or limited work experience, while 3,040 (56%) did not report having no or limited work experience. This information was unknown for 147 people (3%). The proportion of people reporting having no or limited work experience has ranged from 35 – 43% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Child Care

Child care responsibilities may limit the availability and times people can work or the distances they can travel for work which may be a barrier to finding employment. In the most recent quarter, 917 people (17%) reported childcare responsibilities as a barrier to employment, while 4,063 (75%) did not. This information was unknown for 444 people (8%). The proportion of people reporting childcare responsibilities as a barrier to employment has ranged from 13 – 20% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Transport

Not everyone has access to transport for travelling to a place of work, whether it be due to affordability, access or reliability. In the most recent quarter, 1,193 people (22%) reported transport as a barrier, while 3,949 (73%) did not report transport as a barrier. This information was unknown for 282 people (5%). The proportion of people reporting transport as a barrier has ranged from 17 – 22% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Caring Responsibilities

Caring responsibilities may limit the availability and times people can work or the distances they can travel for work which may be a barrier to finding employment. In the most recent quarter, 537 people (10%) reported having caring responsibilities, while 4,678 (86%) did not report having caring responsibilities. This information was unknown for 209 people (4%). The proportion of people reporting having caring responsibilities has ranged from 10 – 16% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Care Experienced

In the most recent quarter, 436 people (8%) reported being care experienced, while 4,794 (88%) did not report being care experienced. This information was unknown for 194 people (4%). The proportion of people reporting being care experienced has ranged from 7 – 9% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Criminal Convictions

People with a criminal conviction may find it more difficult to find employment, for example due to restrictions in certain employment sectors or possibly stigma. Data on participants reporting a criminal conviction were reported for the first time in October 2023. 

In the most recent quarter, 322 people (6%) reported a criminal conviction, while 4,925 (91%) did not report a criminal conviction. This information was unknown for 177 people (3%). The proportion of people reporting a criminal conviction ranged between 6 - 7% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Breakdowns showing the proportion of participants reporting a criminal conviction by Local Authority for year 5 (2023/24) and year 6 so far (2024/2025) are reported in the accompanying tables. These tables were published for the first time in July 2024.

Data for year 5 represents the baseline year for the nationally determined outcome: More people with convictions access support to enhance their readiness for employment, as part of the Community Justice Performance Framework (Access Community Justice Performance Framework - opens in new window).

Homelessness

The lack of a fixed address may present a number of barriers to employment. In the most recent quarter, 191 people (4%) reported homelessness, while 5,066 (93%) did not report homelessness. This information was unknown for 167 people (3%). The proportion of people reporting homelessness has been consistently around 3 – 4% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Substance Related Conditions

In the most recent quarter, 122 people (2%) reported a substance related condition, while 5,125 (94%) did not report a substance related condition. This information was unknown for 177 people (3%). The proportion of people reporting a substance related condition has consistently been around 2 – 3% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Refugees

In the most recent quarter, 229 people (4%) reported being a refugee, while 5,024 (93%) did not report being a refugee. This information was unknown for 171 people (3%). The proportion of people reporting being a refugee has ranged from 4 – 6% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Armed Forces Veteran 

In the most recent quarter, 54 people (1%) reported being an armed forces veteran, while 5,202 (96%) reported not being an armed forces veteran. This information was unknown for 168 people (3%). The proportion of people reporting being an armed forces veteran has been consistently around 1% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Asylum Seekers 

In the most recent quarter, 38 people (1%) reported being an asylum seeker, while 5,216 (96%) did not report being an asylum seeker. This information was unknown for 170 people (3%). The proportion of people reporting being an asylum seeker has been consistently less than 1% since the introduction of the SMF Data Template.

Figure 3: In the latest quarter, participants were most likely to report no or limited work experience, transport and childcare as barriers to employment

Characteristics and Circumstances of People Starting No One Left Behind, July to September 2024

Economic Status at Start Date

Data on the economic status of participants were reported for the first time in October 2023. While most participants joining No One Left Behind are unemployed, some participants are already in employment, or may be classed as economically inactive, where they are not in employment, and have not actively sought work in the last four weeks. This may include students in full-time education, some people who are sick or disabled, or those who have retired. In addition, a small number of No One Left Behind participants are school pupils. See supplementary Background and Methodology Report for more in-depth definitions of these categories.

Most participants were unemployed at start date (42,197; 57%), while a further 14,957 (20%) were economically inactive and 8,609 (12%) were employed when starting. There have been 4,866 (7%) school pupils receiving No One Left Behind support.

In the most recent quarter, 64% (3,490) of participants were unemployed at start date, 14% (760) economically inactive and 13% (732) in employment. The proportion of participants employed at start date was highest in year 5 (14%), especially in the latter quarters (15-16%). The proportion of economically inactive participants was lowest in the last three quarters (13 - 14%) (excluding year 1 where data quality is low).

Further information is available for those in employment at start date. While most No One Left Behind participants are male, the majority of the 8,609 participants in employment at start date are female (5,357; 62%). Participants employed at start date also tend to be older than those overall, with 3,083 (36%) aged 35 to 49 and 2,058 (24%) aged 25 to 34.

Parents

Parents are a subgroup of all participants supported during the period April 2020 to September 2024 (year 2 onwards). Of the 70,828 people who started to receive support from year 2, 20,369 (29%) were parents. The number and proportion of parents has generally increased, reaching a high of 7,581 (35%) parents in the most recent full year (year 5 – 2023/24).

Figure 4: The number of parents starting to receive support through No One Left Behind has generally been increasing

Parents Receiving No One Left Behind Support, by Quarter, April 2020 to September 2024

Age

Most parents are aged 25 and over (88%; 17,976), with the majority in the 35 to 49 years age group (49%; 9,892) and the lowest proportion in the youngest (15 to 19 year olds; 3%; 521) and oldest (50 and over; 8%; 1,649) age groups.

Sex

While female participants account for a lower proportion of all participants (45%), they account for a majority of the parent subgroup (72%; 14,739). Female participants have accounted for a higher proportion of parents across the period. However, the proportion of male parents accessing support has generally increased over time from 17% in 2020/21 to 28% in the most recent full year (2023/24). In the latest quarter (July – September 2024) it was 29%.

Ethnicity

Of parents accessing No One Left Behind support, 19% (3,893) were from a minority ethnic background, while this was the case for 22% (410) of parents in the most recent quarter (July – September 2024). Proportions have fluctuated across time periods and caution is required as some percentages are based on small numbers.

Disability

Overall, 21% (4,282) of parents reported having a disability. The proportion of parents reporting a disability has increased over time from 11% in year 2 (2020/21) to 24% in year 5 (2023/24). This was 27% in the most recent quarter (July – September 2024).

Other Circumstances and Characteristics

Parents were less likely to report no or limited work experience as a barrier to employment (19%) compared to all participants (42%). This may reflect the fact parent participants tend to be older and so may have gained work experience earlier in life. In contrast, parents are more likely to report childcare (36% versus 10% overall) and caring responsibilities (33% versus 13% overall) as barriers compared to all participants. Transport was also reported as a barrier for a larger proportion of parents (19%) than for all participants (13%) and parents were more likely to report being refugees (6%) than all participants (3%).

Parents were more likely to be employed when starting to receive support (23%) compared to all participants (12%). There is a connection between older age, parental status, and employment status at start date. Parents being more likely to be in employment at start date also links to a lower proportion reporting no or limited work experience as a barrier. Parents are also less likely to be economically inactive (11%) compared to all participants (20%). 

Figure 5: No One Left Behind parents are most likely to be female, white and 25 or over

Equality Characteristics of Parents Starting No One Left Behind, April 2020 to September 2024

Priority Family Groups

There were 1,859 parents in the most recent quarter (July – September 2024). Of these, the following groups were observed in terms of parents and those from families at highest risk of being affected by child poverty (some adults may appear in one or more of these family groups):

• 969 (52%) were lone parents,
• 456 (25%) were parents with three or more children,
• 500 (27%) were disabled,
• 392 (21%) had a disabled child or adult within the family (this refers to any other disabled adult within the family, not adults who are participants)
• 141 (8%) were parents aged under 25, and,
• 111 (6%) had a child aged under 12 months.

Overall, of the 20,369 parents receiving support since year 2:

• 11,368 (56%) were lone parents,
• 4,772 (23%) were parents with three or more children,
• 4,282 (21%) were disabled,
• 3,317 (16%) had a disabled child or adult within the family (this refers to any other disabled adult within the family, not adults who are participants),
• 2,291 (11%) were parents aged under 25, and,
• 1,549 (8%) had a child aged under 12 months.

Please see Tackling Child Poverty Priority Families Overview (opens in a new window) for further information on the priority family groups and their definitions. Information has been collected based on these family groups.

Local Authority Breakdowns

Of the 73,470 participants being supported through No One Left Behind, the highest proportion (13%) are being supported in Glasgow City, which is also the most populated Local Authority area. Fife and North Lanarkshire supports the next highest proportion of participants (7%), followed by City of Edinburgh (6%). The lowest proportion of participants are often being supported in those Local Authority areas with the smallest populations, such as the Island authorities, however this is not always the case. It is worth noting that while population size can serve as a guide for understanding differences between Local Authorities, local labour market conditions will also be a significant factor for differences, as well as other employability support that may be available.

Overall, most participants being supported through No One Left Behind are aged under 25 (55%). However, this does vary by Local Authority area. Aberdeen City (61%), Inverclyde (57%), West Dunbartonshire (54%), Aberdeenshire (54%) and Fife (51%) have a higher proportion of participants aged 25 and over. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (73%), East Ayrshire (68%), South Ayrshire (68%) and West Lothian (66%) have the highest proportion of participants aged under 25.

Most participants supported through No One Left Behind are male (54%). However, there are more female participants in seven Local Authority areas, with the highest proportion in East Renfrewshire (60%).

Participants from a minority ethnic background represent 10% of all participants. The City of Edinburgh has the highest proportion (28%) of participants from a minority ethnic background, followed by East Renfrewshire (26%) and Glasgow City (22%).

Overall, 21% of participants supported through No One Left Behind have a disability. This varies by Local Authority. North Ayrshire have the highest proportion (32%), followed by Clackmannanshire (31%) and Scottish Borders (30%).

Tables showing progression by Local Authority were included for the first time in July 2024. This is available within the accompanying tables.

Differences between Local Authorities will reflect the demographic profile of areas, local labour market conditions, other employability support that is available and/or targeted interventions in local areas.

 

Progression of Participants: What are the achievements of those supported by No One Left Behind so far?

SMF Theme 2 - Progression: To enable an individual’s progression towards fair work and sustained employment. Considering aspects such as improving well-being, confidence and motivation, maintaining or re-engaging with support, and developing aspirations and skills.

Introduction

Employability services are about more than getting people into any job at any cost. People can be affected by both personal circumstances and external factors that might impact their ability to find employment. Not everyone receiving support will start from the same basis and there are a number of positive outcomes a person can achieve in their journey towards employment. It is therefore vital that support takes a person-centred approach and progress is considered beyond only employment.

Note on Progression Follow-up Methodology

Information on the number of people still in employment at 4, 13, 26 and 52 weeks is collected by key workers carrying out follow-ups with participants. This data was reported for the first time in October 2023 and we are actively reviewing our methodology for future publications to ensure it provides a clear picture on how those entering employment are progressing.

Future publications will present:

• Breakdowns which factor how long a participant has been in employment. Currently all participants entering employment are included in the denominators for all sustainment check points regardless of whether a participant has been in employment long enough to reach that sustainment period. For example, the denominator for calculating those still in employment at 52 weeks includes participants who have not been in employment long enough to reach 52 weeks employment and therefore is an underestimate.

 

• Breakdowns showing how many participants have or have not been reached during follow-ups. Currently, participants are counted as in employment if they both respond to follow-ups and are in employment. This means participants still in employment but who do not respond to follow-ups are not included in the numerator but are included in the denominator which may underestimate the proportion of those still in employment. By providing clearer breakdowns of who has and has not been reached and factoring this into calculations, it will be clearer what proportion of participants are still in employment. Follow-ups become more challenging as the follow-up time point increases.

Please consider these points when interpreting the following statistics on progression.

All Participants

Of the 73,470 people supported under the No One Left Behind approach between April 2019 and September 2024, 22,782 people (31%) entered employment. Of those that entered employment; 6,561 people (29%) were supported by a subsidy to do so, 2,402 people (11%) started modern apprenticeships and 608 people (3%) entered self-employment.

Additionally, 10,519 (14%) people were supported entering further or higher education or training, 11,899 people (16%) gained a qualification, 4,369 people (6%) started work experience opportunities, 1,942 people (3%) started volunteering and 453 people (1%) re-engaged with school.

Please note the methodological points for the following percentages described in the introduction of the progression section. This data may be considered an underestimate of the true figure and we are reviewing our methodology to ensure it provides a clear picture on how those entering employment are progressing. See the supplementary Background and Methodology Report for definitions on employment at follow-up.

Data on the number of people in employment at 4, 13, 26 and 52 weeks was reported for the first time in October 2023. Of the 22,782 people that entered employment, 10,098 (44%) were in employment at 4 weeks, 9,261 (41%) at 13 weeks, 7,523 (33%) at 26 weeks, and 4,904 (22%) at 52 weeks after entering employment.

Figure 6: Most participants achieving an outcome enter employment

Outcomes achieved by No One Left Behind participants, April 2019 to September 2024

Parents

Please note, the following statistics on parents are from year 2 (April 2020) onwards. Of the 20,369 parents supported under the No One Left Behind approach, 5,338 (26%) entered employment. Of those; 667 (12%) were supported by a subsidy to do so, 92 (2%) started modern apprenticeships and 411 (8%) entered self-employment.

Additionally, 1,854 (9%) were supported entering further or higher education or training, 3,223 (16%) gained a qualification, 710 (3%) started work experience and 408 (2%) started volunteering.

Please note the methodological points for the following percentages described in the introduction of the progression section. This data may be considered an underestimate of the true figure and we are reviewing our methodology to ensure it provides a clear picture on how those entering employment are progressing. See the supplementary Background and Methodology Report for definitions on employment at follow-up.

Data on parents in employment at 4, 13, 26 and 52 weeks were reported for the first time in February 2024. Of the 5,338 parents that entered employment, 2,913 (55%) were in employment at 4 weeks, 2,576 (48%) at 13 weeks, 2,045 (38%) at 26 weeks, and 1,142 (21%) at 52 weeks.

Figure 7: Most parents achieving an outcome enter employment

Outcomes achieved by No One Left Behind parents, April 2020 to September 2024

Age

A total of 14,042 people aged under 25 entered employment. This is 35% of all under 25 participants. For those aged 25 and over, 8,659 entered employment. This is 27% of all participants aged 25 and over.

Of those people aged under 25 entering employment, 5,166 (37%) were supported by a subsidy to do so, while this was the case for 1,380 (16%) of those aged 25 and over. A higher proportion of people entering employment aged under 25 started a modern apprenticeship (2,324; 17%) than for those aged 25 and over (74; 1%). The proportion of people aged 25 or over that entered self-employment (520; 6%) was higher than the proportion of those aged under 25 (84; 1%).

There was little difference in the proportion of those under 25 gaining a qualification (6,859; 17%) compared to those 25 and over (5,001; 15%) but those under 25 were more likely to enter full time or higher education or training (7,743, 19%) than those in the older age group (2,738; 8%).

Sex

A total of 9,825 (30%) female participants entered employment compared to 12,830 (32%) male participants. Of those female participants entering employment, 2,502 (25%) were supported by a subsidy to do so, while this was the case for 4,024 (31%) of male participants. A similar proportion of female participants entering employment started a modern apprenticeship (918; 9%) compared to male participants (1,475; 11%).

There was also a similar proportion of female participants gaining a qualification (5,004; 15%) compared to male participants (6,803; 17%) and female participants entering full time or higher education or training (4,832,15%) compared to male participants (5,578; 14%).

Ethnicity

A total of 1,652 (22%) participants from a minority ethnic background participants entered employment compared to 19,971 (32%) white participants. A lower proportion of participants from a minority ethnic background entering employment were supported by a subsidy to do so (185; 11%) compared to white participants (5,848; 29%). A lower proportion of participants from a minority ethnic background entering employment started a modern apprenticeship (75; 5%) compared to white participants (2,177; 11%), while proportions were similar for entering self-employment (50; 3%) for minority ethnic background participants, (510; 3% for white participants).

There was a similar proportion of participants from a minority ethnic background gaining a qualification (1,243; 17%) compared to white participants (10,256; 16%) and participants from a minority ethnic background entering full time or higher education or training (1,019, 14%) compared to white participants (8,724; 14%).

Disability

A total of 3,264 (21%) participants with a disability entered employment compared to 16,626 (35%) of participants without a disability. Of those participants with a disability entering employment, 681 (21%) were supported by a subsidy to do so, compared to 4,860 (29%) of those without a disability. A lower proportion of disabled participants started a modern apprenticeship (265; 8%) compared to participants without a disability (1,933; 12%).

A similar proportion of disabled participants gained a qualification (2,372; 15%) compared to participants without a disability (8,137; 17%) and disabled participants entering full time or higher education or training (2,027, 13%) compared to participants without a disability (7,189; 15%).

Long-Term Health Condition

A total of 4,192 (21% of all with a LTHC) participants with one or more long-term health conditions entered employment compared to 18,590 (35% of all without a LTHC) of participants without a long-term health condition. The proportion of participants entering employment is lower for those with three or more conditions (15%) than for those with one condition (24%) and those with two conditions (20%). Of those participants with at least one long-term health conditions entering employment, 662 (16%) were supported by a subsidy to do so, compared to 5,899 (32%) of participants with no long-term health conditions. A lower proportion of participants with one or more long-term health conditions started a modern apprenticeship (334; 8%) compared to participants with no long-term health conditions (2,068; 11%).

A similar proportion of participants with one or more long-term health conditions gained a qualification (3,367; 17%) compared to participants with no long-term health conditions (8,532; 16%). The proportion of participants with one more long-term health conditions entering full time or higher education (2,438; 12%) was lower compared to participants with no long-term health conditions (8,081; 15%).

The proportion of participants entering employment varies by different long-term health condition, though comparisons require caution due to low numbers for some conditions.