The Scottish Government’s new ‘Adopt an Apprentice’ Scheme will provide employers in Scotland with up to £2,000 if they take on a redundant apprentice. The Scheme forms part of a wider package of measures to support both individuals and Scotland’s Businesses through the economic recession. Scottish Government made a commitment to redundant apprentices to find them alternative employment which enable them to complete their Modern Apprenticeship.

For more information see:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/10164847

The public sector is under increasing pressure to improve employment prospects for individuals from equality groups.

June 24th saw the launch of the new cross government strategy in England, ‘Valuing Employment Now’, a strategy offering real employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities.  The long awaited initiative promises to guarantee 400 new jobs across the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus to individuals with learning disabilities; individuals will receive support from dedicated staff.

However, while the public sector does appear to be increasing efforts to improve employment prospects for equality groups, such as those with learning disabilities, private employers claim to be leading the way in relation to promoting racial diversity in the workplace.

A recent report by Race for Opportunity (‘2009 Benchmarking Report: Transparency at the Heart of Diversity’) tracked the progress of diversity initiatives across both the public and private sector. The report highlighted concerns in relation to public sector efforts to improve racial diversity. It was identified that BT was the leading employer in the UK in promoting racial diversity.

For more information see:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jun/23/learning-disability-job-work
http://www.guardianpublic.co.uk/diversity-harman-government
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jun/18/race-diversity-public-private-sector

The Government has pledged an additional £8 million to help disabled people remain in work. This additional support will be provided through Access to Work, a specialist disability programme run by Jobcentre Plus,  which provides practical advice and support to disabled people and their employers to help them overcome work-related obstacles resulting from disability.

It is hoped that this extra funding will ensure disabled people who are in employment or have a firm job offer do not miss out as a result of the current economic climate. In the longer term the Government is committed to doubling the budget of Access to Work from £69m to £138m by 2013/14.

Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw, said:
"This extra funding will help disabled people stay in work or take up a firm job offer. This forms part of the £2 billion package we are investing to give people real help in these tough times.
"Part of improving rights and opportunities for disabled people is making sure everyone has the same opportunities to find and stay in work. Even in the current economic downturn we are committed to ensuring that disabled people get the support they need to take control of their lives and live independently."