Third sector to continue to give vital support to get more people into jobs
Scotland’s third sector is getting more cash to create more jobs on the back of the hugely successful Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) scheme.
Fair work secretary Roseanna Cunningham said the Scottish Government would give an additional £1.3 million to help at least 100 more people with barriers to employment into jobs.
The cash will support 50 early service leavers from the forces and 50 young people with convictions aged 25 to 29 to take up work opportunities for up to 12 months.
CJS is delivered by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and has already received £6.1 million in 2015/16 to help young people into employment with voluntary sector organisations.
Cunningham made the announcement on a visit to third sector organisation Glenboig Neighbourhood House, and said that CJS has played a significant role in helping thousands of people with barriers to enhance their skills and to progress to education, training or work.
We must remain focused on helping everyone fulfil their potential in order to drive forward Scotland’s economic growth
She added: “I am very pleased that this additional funding will allow us to support even more young people, including those with convictions and that are leaving the services early, develop the skills that they need. With youth unemployment levels at the lowest level since 2008 we are already delivering positive results for young people.
“We want to build on that and to continue to focus on those young people who need extra support in finding a job. Likewise, extending the age range for vulnerable groups will ensure that more people are able to benefit from opportunities in the third sector.
“While there are 82,000 fewer Scots unemployed since the peak of the recession in 2010, we must remain focused on helping everyone fulfil their potential in order to drive forward Scotland’s economic growth.”
SCVO will work with Poppy Scotland in identifying ex-service men and women who need support to findwork.
Martin Sime, chief executive of SCVO, said: “Today’s announcement will give young unemployed people, who are furthest away from the labour market, the opportunity to experience paid work and make a real difference to other people’s lives.
"We’re excited about working with Poppy Scotland to help early service leavers find work and about young people aged 25-29 with convictions or disabilities, care leavers and carers, being eligible to apply for Community Jobs Scotland for the first time.
“Many of these people have already been failed by the Work Programme, so it’s fantastic news that they will get the chance to do their bit in their community, earn a wage and develop new skills.”
Gary Gray, head of welfare services at Poppy Scotland, said the transition from the military to civilian workplace can be very challenging but that connecting those who are out of work with opportunities within the voluntary sector is a win-win.
“This government funding will broaden the employment horizons for many veterans, offering them a much brighter future, and will also provide great value to organisations who play such a crucial role in supporting the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society,” he added.
