Chamber and committees

Fair Start Scotland (FSS), Scotland’s devolved employment support service, helps those who are further removed from the labour market to find and stay in work. The service was launched in April 2018 with an ambition of supporting 38,000 people by 31 March 2021. Statistics published on 26 August 2020 show that by the end of June 2020, 24,300 people had started on the service, 64% of the overall ambition. Of those who started on the service, 65% had a long term health condition and 47% reported having a disability. The statistics also show the significant early impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on engagement with FSS services, as both referrals and starts decreased (by 39% and 25% respectively) compared to the same period (April-June) in 2019.

Referrals to FSS since its launch have mainly come from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). During the period March to June this year, DWP suspended referrals to refocus their workforce on processing the unprecedented volume of Universal Credit claims made during lockdown (DWP statistics show 3.2 million claims were made between 16 March and 23 June 2020). All FSS referrals during this period were generated by FSS Providers via digital platforms and social media. Providers have also been mindful of the particular needs of their more vulnerable participants during lockdown, when many were shielding or had significant concerns about engaging with services due to their health conditions, disabilities or personal circumstances. The ‘pause’ on DWP referrals, along with lockdown restrictions on face to face interactions, have therefore had an impact on FSS service delivery.

In response to the pandemic, the Scottish Government have introduced flexibilities in service delivery along with financial measures to sustain Providers and safeguard support for participants. Providers continue to engage and support participants regularly by telephone and online. In line with our ‘test and learn’ approach, we are working with Providers to continuously improve FSS service delivery, to support the most vulnerable and respond quickly and effectively to any further COVID-19 and economic impacts. As part of our COVID-19 economic recovery package, I announced on 16 July 2020 that the service has been extended for a further two years until 31 March 2023, allowing more people to participate and ensuring support is in place for those who need it most.

Despite the service performing well so far, ongoing economic and labour market uncertainty along with the threat of further local lockdowns are likely to have a profound and long lasting impact on FSS performance. It is therefore likely that we will not meet our ambition to support 38,000 people by 31 March 2021. However, we will continue to work with FSS Providers and partners to promote and improve the service to ensure that those who are eligible and would benefit from Fair Start Scotland support, are able to do so.