Our work in Glasgow and the Highlands & Islands, 2018-2025
Fair Start Scotland was the Scottish Government's employment support service. PeoplePlus delivered it in Glasgow and the Highlands and Islands until 2025. This programme has now closed. If you're looking for support to find work in Scotland, speak to your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach or your local council's employability service.
What Fair Start Scotland was
Fair Start Scotland was the Scottish Government's employment support service. It was free and voluntary, and taking part didn't affect anyone's benefits. PeoplePlus delivered it across two areas: the city of Glasgow, and the Highlands and Islands, which covered Argyll and Bute, Eilean Siar, Highland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
Participants had up to 12 months of support to find work, then a further 12 months of support once they started a job.
Who we supported
We worked with people who had been out of work for a long time, disabled people and people with health conditions, single parents, unpaid carers and people with convictions. Many of them had been told, directly or indirectly, that work wasn't for them.
How we helped
Every participant had a dedicated key worker who built a plan around their circumstances. We helped people gain accredited qualifications, write CVs, prepare for interviews and cover the cost of interview clothes. Our business advisors supported people who wanted to become self-employed, with help on business planning, cashflow and marketing. We also worked with local employers to match people to the right roles.
What we achieved
- Over 16,600 people supported
- Over 8,450 people started work
Just one of our many success stories
Building Futures, One Step at a Time | PeoplePlus
Where that work continues
What we learned on Fair Start Scotland shapes how we work in Scotland today. That includes Fresh Start in North Lanarkshire, which supports people with justice involvement into work or self-employment, and our education work across all 16 Scottish Prison Service establishments.
Thank you to every participant, employer, delivery partner and colleague who was part of Fair Start Scotland, and to the Scottish Government for funding the service.
