SNP MSP Tom Arthur has highlighted the positive impact of Fair Start Scotland, welcoming news that nine in 10 people who used Scotland’s new employment support service in its first year felt they were treated with dignity and respect.
Fair Start Scotland, Scotland’s first fully devolved employment support service, has been helping people find work and supporting those who have struggled to find a job that meets their needs since it became operational in April 2018.
A total of 10,063 people started using the service in its first 12 months.
Reports show that:
• nine in 10 of those who used the service felt they were treated with dignity and respect
• 78% felt the service offered support to improve their general quality of life and wellbeing
• 80% of participants felt they had a choice about the type of support they received
Commenting on the news, Tom Arthur MSP said:
“Fair Start Scotland was designed to be voluntary, flexible, responsive to people’s needs and – most importantly – based on the principles of dignity and respect. The evidence published this week is proof that this approach is working and that Fair Start Scotland is having a positive impact.
“With thousands of people helped over the last year, I’m sure the service will continue to go from strength to strength and I’d encourage anyone looking for extra support in finding work to consider getting in touch with Fair Start Scotland.”
Background
- Fair Start Scotland services in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire are delivered by The Wise Group. More information is available here: https://www.thewisegroup.co.uk/fairstart/
- Fair Start Scotland Annual Report Year One and Fair Start Scotland Evaluation Report Two – Overview of Year One have been published.