How will the SNP Scottish Government use powers over employment support services?

In April 2017, new transitional employment support services, Work First Scotland and Work Able Scotland, were put in place ahead of the full roll-out next year. In the first six months, almost 3,500 people joined the new transitional employability services which support individuals with disabilities and health conditions.

An additional £20 million of funding for the services will ensure up to 4,800 disabled people and people with health conditions will receive help to get into work.

From April 2018 a new £96 million Fair Start Scotland will replace these temporary schemes, aiming to help at least 38,000 people find work. The scheme, like the transitional services, will be voluntary so participants will not face the threat of Tory benefit sanctions if they are using our services.