Helping people stay in employment

20th August 2025

Three new initiatives to help people find and stay in work, including disabled people and those with long term health conditions, have been announced.

The pilot projects will share £228,000 of Scottish Government funding to enable people with diverse needs to enter, stay in or progress in the workplace. They will be used to expand flexible working in sectors such as manufacturing and help diversify the public sector workforce.

Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead welcomed the launch at Scottish Leather Group in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, where staff are already benefiting from initiatives such as compressed hours and reduced hours for people approaching retirement.

He said, "This new funding will help provide flexible and supportive working environments and contribute to a more dynamic, diverse, and resilient jobs market in Scotland.

"This has significant benefits for workers and means employers like Scottish Leather Group can draw from a wider talent pool.

“The Scottish Government is committed to helping people remain in work and strengthening pathways into employment for those furthest from the jobs market. This new funding will promote flexible working, support disabled employees and people at risk of economic inactivity."

Nikki Slowey, co-founder and director of Flexibility Works, said, "People's lives are constantly changing, whether that’s with children, caring for older relatives or for health needs, and we know many people drop out of work altogether if the juggle between work and home life becomes too stressful.

“Employers that are attuned to this and are able to be flexible can keep hold of talented and experienced staff. Often people only want small changes, such as a little home working or to start and finish at slightly different times. This enables people to keep working, which is good for their finances and wellbeing as well as delivering benefits for their employer and our wider economy.”

The funding is part of wider Scottish Government efforts to enable people with diverse needs to enter, stay in or progress in the workplace, which in turn will help boost the economy and tackle child poverty.

It will allow three separate organisations to run distinct pilot projects - all with the aim of providing workplace support:

Training specialists Flexibility Works will receive £96,100 to equip manufacturing sector employers with knowledge and tools to adopt and embed sustainable, flexible working practices.

National representative body the Scottish Union for Supported Employment (SUSE) will access £98,737 to support employers, disabled people and people with long term conditions, to stay in work helping to reduce the Disability Employment Gap. SUSE will work intensively with a group of 16-20 employers over the life of the pilot, delivering training and practical support.

Business in the Community will use £33,969 to deliver workshops on inclusive hiring and progression initiatives within public sector organisations and help managers to attract and support diverse talent.