INVERCLYDE has been named as one of the areas to benefit under a multi-million pound scheme to help people find and stay in work.

The Scottish Government Fair Start Scotland scheme has earmarked £8.8m for an area covering Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and East and West Dunbartonshire.

Contracts have been awarded to organisations with the aim of helping thousands to get into employment.

The project starts in April and involves The Wise Group, a social enterprise founded in 1983 to tackle social, economic and environmental problems in Scotland and the north east of England.

It will work in partnership with Working Links, the Scottish Association for Mental Health, The Lennox Partnership, ENABLE Scotland, and the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan said: “ Fair Start Scotland will help people find and stay in work, including people faced with barriers into work.

“Unemployed people will be given help and encouraged to see employment support as an opportunity, rather than being driven by the threat of financial sanctions from the Department for Work and Pensions.

“People will be treated fairly, and with respect.” 

Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn says the Scottish Government is using its new powers through the Scotland Act to deliver one year transitional employment support services.

He said: “Awarding the Fair Start Scotland contracts is an important milestone in our commitment to providing Scottish employment support which will help people who are faced with barriers into work to access a fairer and more targeted support service.

“We are taking a different approach to the UK Government and listening to the views of unemployed people.” 

A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “All participants can expect to receive in-depth action planning to ensure the support they receive is tailored for them and suits their individual needs and circumstances.”