Scottish Government pledges up to £113m to support those most at risk of long-term unemployment

The Scottish Government is pledging up to £113m to help support those most at risk of long-term unemployment.

The money will be used to help deliver the ambitions set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation and the Child Poverty Delivery Plan.

In a statement, the government said “tailored services based on local needs” would ensure those who are out of a job would get the right help to move towards and into work.

The Scottish Government has already produced No One Left Behind, a strategy for the delivery of employability services – with this including the Young Person’s Guarantee, which aims to ensure that everyone aged between 16 and 24 is in education, training, an apprenticeship, job or similar.

Employment minister Richard Lochhead said: “Redesigning services with the user in mind is part of the bold steps we’re taking to achieve the goals of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

“If delivering on our objectives involves change to get a better outcome for the people of Scotland, we won’t duck from that challenge.

“We have always been clear that No One Left Behind places people at the centre of employability services and support, to give them help tailored to their specific needs.

“I’m pleased that in 2022/23 we are able to invest up to £113m to support those at risk of long-term unemployment.

“This investment will build on existing support to deliver more localised help around employability and skills to people most disadvantaged in the labour market.

“It will also align more closely with other local services in housing, justice, advice, and health.”