The Scottish Government has announced the start of Scotland’s newly devolved employability services in the Highlands and Islands.
The £96million Fair Start Scotland delivers locally targeted employment support for people further from the jobs market.
Fair Start Scotland will be available across Scotland, with the service in the Highlands and Islands delivered by People Plus Ltd.
Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “From today Fair Start Scotland will provide support for a minimum of 38,000 people across Scotland who are further from the jobs market and who want help to find and stay in work.
“This service has been designed nationally and tailored to Scotland’s needs. While the standard of service provision will be consistent across the country, it is being delivered locally meaning that Fair Start Scotland support reflects the needs of the local economy and employers.
“We want this new service to be seen as an opportunity. That’s why participating in Fair Start Scotland is voluntary, so people can choose to participate, rather than being driven by the fear of sanctions.”
John Dolan, PeoplePlus Director for Scotland: ‘Scotland’s devolved powers over employment support offer a real opportunity to develop person-centred, integrated, community-based solutions combined with a consistent service offer ensuring participant progress irrespective of geography, disability, lack of work experience or any other perceived or real barriers.
“Fair Start Scotland will bring together some of the most successful employability support organisations in Scotland with a range of skills and experience that will benefit the participants we support on their journey to sustainable employment.”