AROUND 2,000 people with disabilities and health conditions across Forth Valley will be supported with a new £5 million package to help them get into employment.

A bid led by Falkirk Council – on behalf of Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire councils, in partnership with NHS Forth Valley and third sector organisations – won a contract to deliver employment support starting in April 2018, as part of the Scottish Government’s £96m Fair Start programme.

It was the only local authority to be successful with its bid.
The project will help with personalised support for individuals for between 12-18 months' pre-employment and a further 12 months of in-work assistance.

Councillor Les Sharp, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said: "Clackmannanshire Council is delighted to be working with our neighbours on the Fair Start contract.

"The council has been committed for some years to supporting residents with employment through its Clackmannanshire Works service and this is an opportunity to strengthen that commitment and build on our regional links."

Falkirk Provost Tom Coleman, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for economic development, said: "The successful award of the Fair Start Scotland contract is testimony to the excellent contribution from local government to supporting the most disadvantaged job seekers into work.

"Our partnership with Stirling and Clackmannanshire councils, NHS Forth Valley and our local third sector supply chain, demonstrates our commitment to collaborative working to ensure the best possible services are delivered to those who need them most.

"As the only successful local authority bidder we are absolutely convinced of the opportunity this contract provides to better align and integrate services at a local level."

Work is now being carried out to prepare the programme and to look for eligible individuals.

All eligible job seekers will be invited to information sessions in advance of April 2018.