A new partnership approach to develop employability support which is more flexible, joined-up and responsive to the needs of people who are looking to find work, and to stay in work, has been launched.<\/p>\n
Working with local authorities, the joined up approach follows the publication of a review of employability services, No One Left Behind: Review of Employability Services, <\/em>which has been endorsed by key partners from across the employability sector.<\/p>\n It sets out the actions the Scottish Government will take to work more closely with local authorities in a new partnership approach, collaborating closely with partners in the third, public and private sectors.<\/p>\n Hosting a summit on employability in Scotland, Fair Work Minister Jamie Hepburn said:<\/p>\n \u201cWe want everyone in Scotland to be able to find a job that works for them and helps fulfil their potential. Our employment support services will treat people with kindness, dignity, compassion and respect while helping to deliver inclusive growth.<\/p>\n \u201cToday we set out plans, building on the successful launch of Fair Start Scotland, to develop a more joined up employability system that provides the right help for people of all ages \u2013 particularly for those further from the labour market.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the beginning of an inclusive process that will bring together those involved in employability in the public, third and private sectors to develop more integrated approach to supporting individuals into work.\u201d<\/p>\n Cllr Kelly Parry, COSLA spokesperson for Community Wellbeing Spokesperson said:<\/p>\n \u201cI am very happy that we have agreed this new partnership working framework with Scottish Government on employability. Local authorities provide essential services to Scotland\u2019s communities. Their contribution to Inclusive Growth is exemplified through their role as large employers and through procurement, and notably through their substantial investment in employability services. COSLA shares an ambition with Scottish Government to work towards an employability system which is better aligned and integrated and one which works for everyone in the many local contexts throughout Scotland.\u201d<\/p>\n Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive SCVO said:<\/p>\n \u201cSCVO strongly supports Scottish Government\u2019s ambitions to reconfigure the employability landscape in Scotland for the longer term. To achieve the right outcomes for the people who need it the most, we must better align across Scottish Government\u2019s various policy agendas we can only do that through collaboration across ministerial portfolios and across the third, public and private sectors.\u201d<\/p>\n Supporting the publication of the Review of Employability Services, Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of ERSA said:<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a huge prize in Scotland \u2013 a flexible, responsive and tailored employment support service which meets the needs of jobseekers and learners, employers, plus the Scottish economy.\u00a0This is no easy task.\u00a0However, this document is an important step towards just that end.\u201d<\/p>\n Stuart McKenna, Chief Executive of the Scottish Training Federation said:<\/p>\n \u201cI am very pleased with the direction of travel outlined in the report, and welcome the commitment that independent training providers will continue to be involved \u2013 together with other stakeholders \u2013 in the shaping and the delivery of the new programme.\u201d<\/p>\n