Scotland's Employer Recruitment Incentive
Scotland's Employer Recruitment Incentive was launched in June
2015 with a commitment to assist employers in supporting young
people into jobs.
The scheme was paused in December 2015, amid uncertainty
following the Chancellor's spending review and how it would affect
the Scottish budget.
SERI resumed on 1st April 2016, with a sharper focus on the job
prospects of young people who face the greatest barriers to
employment.
The element specifically targeted at small employers to recruit
a Modern Apprentice will not be part of the SERI offer from April,
unless the MA meets the targeted group criteria Q&A Annex A. The programme will reopen to
starts from 1 April 2016 to 31 January 2017.
SERI was developed in partnership with local government and in
consultation with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), business and
third sector organisations. It will deliver our commitment to
key Developing Scotland's Young Workforce
recommendations by simplifying the recruitment incentive offer,
focussing on those young people who face the greatest barriers to
employment.
SERI Delivery and offer:
SERI is administered on behalf of Scottish Government by SDS and
delivered by Scotland's 32 Local Authorities. It offers
employers up to £4,000 when their company commits to a new job or
new MA. The funding is available as a contribution toward the
additional costs of recruiting and sustaining a young person during
their first 52 weeks of sustainable employment.
The funding could be utilised in a number of ways including
additional supervisory costs, training, initial travel to work
costs or wages. No single use is prescribed.
If the company pays the young person the living wage there will
be an additional payment of £500. This incentive is not a handout
to companies - it is a co-investment in young people with a view to
helping businesses grow.
Employers should consult their Local Authority (LA) if they wish
to apply for SERI.
Further information on SERI and LA contact information can be
found on here on OurSkillsforce website.
Eligibility:
A private business or third sector organisation of any size
recruiting a young person who is 16-29 years old, fitting one or
more of the eligible groups (Q&A Annex A), is eligible for SERI
support, providing they can demonstrate capacity to offer sustained
employment. This can include recruitment into a MA (in line with
existing MA programme rules). Public Sector employers are not
eligible to apply.
Additional In-Work Support package - Open Doors
Consortium:
A targeted group of young people (disabled young people, care
leavers, carers, and ex-offenders) will also have access to an
additional in-work support package, delivered by expert Third
Sector organisations.
This additional in-work support will be tailored to the needs of
the individual and offers specialist employer services such as:
- Accredited training
- Enhanced monitoring and in-work support
- Independent travel training
- Job coaching and workplace reviews
- Purchase of basic workplace clothing and equipment
- Mentoring employers and staff in support strategies
- Information on benefit/in-work benefit checks.
Local Authorities should follow the referral process within the
SDS operating rules. Please contact lianne.williams@enable.org.uk on 0131 220
8255 or 07889 456 303, to make a referral to Open Doors or
for more information on the In-Work support package.