CONTRACTS worth up to £5 million have been awarded to organisations which will help people in the Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire areas to find and stay in work.
From April 2018 the new Fair Start Scotland service will aim to help at least 38,000 people find employment, including those facing barriers to entering the labour market.
Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn confirmed these employment support services will be delivered by Falkirk Council, in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council and NHS Forth Valley.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, he said: "We are taking a different approach to the UK Government by listening to the views of unemployed people.
"By delivering Fair Start Scotland in nine contract areas we are reflecting Scotland’s different geographies, economies and population spread – as opposed to the UK Government’s approach which simply considered Scotland as one area.
"Crucially people’s participation in Fair Start Scotland will be voluntary. It will work with unemployed people to help and encourage them to see employment support as an opportunity, rather than being driven by the threat of financial sanctions.
"Our priority is that people receive high quality services, designed for their local needs and that treats them fairly and with respect."
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