Question reference: S5W-02375
- Asked by: Ivan McKee, MSP for Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 7 September 2016
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 8 September 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it will support unemployed people toward and into work when contracted employment services are devolved from 1 April 2017.
Answer
As one of the first exercises of devolved powers under the Scotland Act 2016, we will deliver strong and effective continuity of employment support services for those who need it most, whilst building towards a full Scottish programme of support from April 2018.
Consequently, newly devolved powers on employment support will be exercised from 1 April 2017 through the delivery of 12 month transitional services.
Through Work First Scotland, we will deliver employment support for up to 3,300 disabled people, working with the providers of existing services in Scotland, to help those seeking work to make the most of their skills and to access employment support services that help them progress towards work – and to stay in work. We expect contracts to be signed in November 2016.
Through Work Able Scotland, we have worked with Skills Development Scotland who will procure and manage up to 1,500 starts for eligible customers with a health condition who want to enter work. This support will be built on a supportive coaching relationship with a dedicated case manager and co-ordinated access to skills & health support. Skills Development Scotland will commence procurement for this service shortly via the Public Contracts Scotland portal.
Following the estimated 87% funding cut in employability services from the UK Government, this government have set aside up to £20 million of additional funding in addition to the £7m delivered through transfer of services from DWP, to support these transitional services in 2017.
This is a significant first step towards developing a Scottish approach to employability: an approach that reflects fair work and social and economic inclusion; that puts an emphasis on partnership delivery; and which treats service users with respect.