Question reference: S5W-33944
- Asked by: Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 9 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 18 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason participants in the Fair Start Scotland programme have to work 16 hours or more for at least 13 consecutive weeks to be considered as having achieved a successful short-job outcome, and what research was conducted to conclude that a 16 hours per week minimum was fair to disabled people who might not be able to physically or mentally be in a position to meet this target.
Answer
Fair Start Scotland’s key priority is to ensure participants receive a quality service in their journey to finding and sustaining employment, through tailored support that meets their needs and takes into account their personal circumstances.
Eligibility for Fair Start Scotland (FSS) is open to people with a range of barriers, however it is aimed that those for whom work is a realistic prospect within 12-18 months. Participants develop an action plan which sets out their goals and the pace at which they want to achieve them.
For participants with more significant barriers, up to 18 months pre-employment support is available. During this time Providers can commission any specialist support required to help participants move towards becoming work-ready, including work experience and placements to help build up to working longer hours where that meets the participant's longer-term goals.
As part of Fair Start Scotland contracts, Service Providers are paid when job outcomes reach 13, 26 & 52 weeks. These milestones are used to drive good job quality and increase income for participants, in line with Scottish Government Fair Work principles. Providers are only paid for outcomes where participants are working more than 16 hours per week as this more likely to provide a secure income however, there is no expectation that participants will work to this level if it’s not what they want to do.
Through the in-work support offered as part of the service, Providers continue to work with participants for a further 12 months after entering employment to further develop their skills, increase their confidence and ensure the job continues to fit their needs.