SNP Government's job start payment goes live

Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Perthshire South & Kinross-shire constituency, has welcomed a new Scottish benefit which starts this week and will help 16 to 24-year olds into work if they have been unemployed for over six months.

It is estimated around 5,000 young people across Scotland will benefit from this new financial support in its first year. Applicants who qualify are invited to apply as the new program is now open. To qualify for the payment, a person must be 16-24 years old and have received a job offer for paid employment.

People can find out more and apply through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.

The Job Start Payment will help with the extra expenses that are often attached to a starting a new job, such as travel costs, new work clothes or even childcare.

Roseanna Cunningham MSP said: “This announcement of extra support to help our young people into work really couldn’t come at a better time because there can be absolutely no doubt that the job prospects of young people in Perthshire South & Kinross-shire have been hit hard by this pandemic, as they have across the country.

“Sometimes the costs associated with starting a new job can seem like an obstacle too far but this payment can help.

“16 to 24-year olds who have been unemployed for over six months will be eligible for a one-off grant of £250.  For care leavers, that upper age limit is extended to 25 and the payment rises to £400 if the person has a child.

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