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Monthly E-bulletin

Welcome to the first Employability in Scotland e-bulletin of 2017! I’m sure it feels like a long time ago now, but happy new year to you all.

Within the Employability Programme Division, it's been all system go since our return from the Christmas break. Our Skills Development Scotland colleagues signed contracts for the 2017-18  Work Able Scotland Service on 23 December 2016 and the successful providers were announced 30 December 2016. These are Progress Scotland, The Wise Group and Remploy.

For the new 2018 service, we’ve been busy analysing the feedback from the Supplier Events that took place at the end of the year. Thanks to all of those who attended, or gave feedback following the events. We’re considering running a further briefing event towards the end of March, so that prospective bidders can speak direct to the Team ahead of submitting a tender. We’ll be issuing a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for this, so watch this space!

In other news, there continues to be a significant focus on the partnership approach to effective delivery of these new services and as part of this we are developing an integrated approach with Jobcentre Plus to preparing communications and awareness sessions for Jobcentre Plus staff. This month has also seen our fantastic Stakeholder Advisory Group meet for the 11th time. We continue to be hugely grateful for the time and expertise that our stakeholders give.

Finally, don’t forget to keep in touch. We are always happy to receive your case studies, examples of good practice and your contributions for the Employability in Scotland website and e-bulletin.


Best wishes

Joanne

Scottish Government Response to Job Centre Plus Closures

Minister for Employability and Training responds to the UK Government on further Job Centre Plus closures, with further closures announced by the DWP on January 26.

New Powers on Employability in 2017

Part of Scotland's new devolved employability services, the £5m Work Able Scotland programme will support up to 1,500 people with health conditions into work.

Scottish Flexibilities for Universal Credit

Universal Credit payments in Scotland are to become more frequent and adaptable as new social security powers are set to be used by the Scottish Government.

Early Years Workforce Expansion

More teachers and graduates are to be recruited for nurseries in deprived areas in Scotland through a £1.5m investment to expand early learning and childcare, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

Food and Drink Action Plan Targets Higher Level Skills

The Skills Investment Plan for Scotland's Food and Drink Sector features a series of measures aimed at helping businesses find fresh talent, develop leadership and management skills, and boost growth through innovation and efficiency.

700th Living Wage Employer Accredited

Scottish Canals became the 700th Scottish-based Living Wage accredited employer, with a target of 1,000 by autumn 2017.

Report: Equipping Scotland for the Future - Key Challenges for the Scottish Skills System

IPPR Scotland explore the current and future challenges facing the Scottish skills system and outlines the areas for action that will be needed to ensure that these challenges can be successfully met.

Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board to Play Key Role in Shaping New Workforce Development Fund

Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn launched the fund and said it will be developed with the input of employers through the industry-led Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB).

City Region Deals Boosting Jobs and Local Economies

The Scottish Government will increase support for cities in 2017, by progressing City Region Deals to boost jobs, infrastructure and the economy in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Stirling.

Report: How Do Cities Lead An Inclusive Growth Agenda?

The JRF research reviews evidence from international cities that had implemented an inclusive growth agenda to ensure that economic prosperity in their region benefits all.

Tackling the Tech Gender Gap - Call for Employer Best Practice

SDS and partners in the Digital Technologies Skills Group are working with Equate Scotland to produce a best practice guide for promoting gender diversity in Digital Technology Industries.

Quick News

Committee Reports on Poor Support for Ex-Offenders
A new Work and Pensions Committee report says those leaving prison face a 'cliff edge' drop off in support offered to help them re-enter normal life and find work.

Challenge Fund Money to Support Jobless People in East Lothian
East Lothian Council has been approved a European Social Fund (ESF) grant to administer a local Challenge Fund.

 

Flexible Hours Key to Working Longer
47 per cent of workers said that they would work longer before retiring if their employer were to offer more flexible hours.

Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries Expands
Supported business has created 16 jobs as a part of a Council contract to supply furniture to vulnerable tenants.

Events

Centre for Responsible Credit Annual Conference
28 February 2017 - London
The conference examines how credit regulation, and the design and delivery of financial services, financial capability support and debt advice all need to be adapted.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017
6 - 10 March 2017
Get involved and celebrate the benefits apprenticeships bring to individuals, businesses and the economy.
 

 

Scotland Welfare Rights Conference 2017
19 May 2017 - Glasgow
The CPAG in Scotland conference gives delegates the opportunity to heard from political leaders, experts and academics about the latest developments and the implications for their work. 

Making Skills Work For Your Business
7 March 2017 - Aberdeen
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will be in Aberdeen outlining the opportunities available to employers within the Apprenticeships Family.

 

 

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You can view all current consultations from the Scottish Government online.