SNP GOVERNMENT’S ‘JOB START PAYMENT’ NOW OPEN TO APPLICATIONS

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed a new Scottish benefit that will help 16 to 24-year olds into work if they have been unemployed for over six months.

The SNP Scottish Government’s Job Start Payment is a one-off grant of £250 to help with the costs of starting a new job. The upper age limit rises to 25 for care leavers and the payment rises to £400 if the person has a child.

It is estimated around 5,000 young people across Scotland will benefit from this new financial support in its first year.

Alasdair Allan MSP said:

The job prospects of young people have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and so this announcement of extra support to help our young people into work really couldn’t come at a better time.

“This payment will help local people with the extra expenses that are often attached to a starting a new job, such as travel costs, new work clothes or even childcare.

“In Government, the SNP is working hard to create new opportunities for work as we rebuild our economy. I’d encourage anyone in the Western Isles who thinks they may be eligible to apply online.”