SCHEMES to help people into work in East Renfrewshire are being extended amid “uncertainties” over future government funding.

The council has received £215,000 to continue projects which help young people, care leavers and those with additional support needs to find employment and education opportunities.

However, funding is usually allocated for a full year and the cash has currently only been awarded for the first quarter: April to June. 

Officials have said the money will allow some activity to continue until the end of quarter two and others to reach the end of quarter three.

They added: “Given the uncertainties around funding allocations for the remainder of 2024/25, the funding will cover the continuation of existing programmes only.”

A report shows the various employability projects helped 160 people into employment, including apprenticeships, in 23/24, while 49 were supported into further or higher education and 42 into vocational training.

The employability activity, known as No One Left Behind, involves a partnership between the Scottish Government and councils. 

Described by officials as a “key strand” of employability services in East Renfrewshire, it aims to tackle inequality and support “those at risk of being left behind move closer to and into fair and sustainable jobs”.

The available funding is set to be used to continue a youth employability programme, for young people not in employment, education or training, which is delivered by the Lennox Partnership (£20,250).

It could also be used on a project to support care leavers/care experienced people, which is provided by VERG Ltd (£20,250), and to help people with additional support needs (£31,500).

School leavers with no positive destinations would be supported by the council’s education department (£32,000).

Funding is also expected to go towards a financial inclusion officer to support parents with money advice (£27,375) and an adviser to help those experiencing in-work poverty (£20,466).

Other projects include employability support for parents with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities (£40,000) and vocational training to upskill people (£17,659).

Cabinet members will be asked to approve the continuation of these existing projects at a meeting next Thursday. However, new proposals are on hold until a full-year allocation is confirmed by the Scottish Government.

A report to councillors added: “As this is in-year funding, any delays in funding awards will impact on delivery timescales. Delegated authority is sought to award funds for new projects when and subject to the remainder of Scottish Government funding being confirmed.”

Officials believe the programme provides “an excellent opportunity to ensure continuation of core employability programmes that support our residents into sustainable employment”.