Sixth Annual Report on the Implementation of the Scotland Act 2016: Tenth Annual Report on the Implementation and Operation of Part 3 (Financial Provisions) of the Scotland Act 2012

8. Employability

The Scotland Act 2016 gave Scottish Ministers the powers to deliver employability support that helps disabled people or those at risk of long-term unemployment to seek, obtain, and retain employment.

Costs

Main Developments

104. Fair Start Scotland (FSS) was launched in April 2018 and provides tailored, person-centred support to people who need help to find and stay in work, and achieve their full potential. Unlike previous UK Government initiatives, participation in FSS is voluntary.

105. The service is currently delivered by a mixed economy of public, private, and third sector service providers, covering all of Scotland in nine regional "Lots".

106. The Scottish Government regularly publishes national statistics releases on FSS service performance, alongside independent evaluation reports and an annual report to the Scottish Parliament. The latest statistics release^[31], covering the period from launch to end of December 2021, shows that the service has had 41,844 starts and 14,349 participants have already moved into work.

107. Annual and evaluation reports for 20-21^[32] show that FSS performed well overall, despite the ongoing economic and labour market uncertainty and continued local and national COVID-19 restrictions. In response to statistics and evaluation findings, FSS continuous improvement activity has focused on enhancing engagement with under-represented and under-supported groups, identifying local 'test and learn' opportunities and developing better support for participants with more complex needs. Furthermore, an economic evaluation^[33]of the service demonstrated that FSS provides value for money and a positive return on investment, with benefit-cost ratios of 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 from the perspective of participants, public finances and society, respectively.

108. Scottish Ministers are committed to supporting the continued development and delivery of devolved employability services. The Scottish Government will continue to work with local government, the third sector and other partners to support the ambition of aligned and integrated services as set out in its No One Left Behind Strategy^[34].

109. As part of the Scottish Government's economic response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Scottish Ministers have extended the delivery of FSS contracts to the end of March 2023 to allow for more people to benefit from support. In line with Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts, a budget of £24.4 million has been allocated for FSS delivery in 2022-23, ensuring that support is available for those in our communities who need it most.