Fair Start Scotland aims to help people across the area who face barriers getting into work to look for employment through the provision of a more targeted support service.
The new initiative, which will be delivered in the Forth Valley area by Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils in partnership with NHS Forth Valley and 26 third sector organisations, will enable a more co-ordinated approach to helping 2,000 unemployed people locally to find work.
The project is boosted by an investment of around £1.2m from the Scottish Government over the next three to five years to provide help for unemployed disabled people and those claiming benefits who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
In Stirling it is expected that up to 600 people will be supported over the next three years with the support being managed, coordinated and delivered by Stirling Council’s Learning and Employability Team.
Participants will be able to access up to a year of pre-employment support and a year of in-work support.
Fair Start Scotland will:
• Allocate a dedicated adviser to help applicants find work and offer support throughout their time with the service
• Develop the skills and attributes of individuals to help them with applications and interviews
• Help find volunteering and placement opportunities that can help build experience
The service is governed by the four key values of equality, dignity, respect and fairness that will be demonstrated to every person supported. Participation is entirely voluntary and does not affect existing benefits.
Councillor Scott Farmer, Leader of Stirling Council who launched the programme at an event in Stirling said: “There is no one single reason why people find themselves unemployed or out of work so it is crucial we provide a service that acknowledges this, and can help our most vulnerable people on an individual basis.
“Our aim here is to help people develop their skills, gain confidence and experience, and guide them to the right opportunities to get back into work.
“Increasing investment in employability is essential to the Council’s ambition of inclusive growth. Supporting residents farthest from the labour market to build their skills is critical to ensuring growth that both strengthens the economy and reduces inequalities.”
Convener of the Finance and Economy Committee, Councillor Margaret Brisley, said: “Working with our partners in neighbouring local authorities, voluntary organisations and NHS Forth Valley will allow us to pool our resources and add real strength to this project.
“This is great news for Stirling and will help us work with our most vulnerable people, especially those with complex issues who want to work and need our support to enter, remain or get back into the labour market.”
To be eligible applicants must be:
• Living in the Forth Valley area and be eligible to work in the UK
• Over 18 and out of work in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit
• 16 or 17 and are disabled
For more information contact the Learning and employability team on 01786 237517 or e-mail learningandemployability@stirling.gov.uk