Fair Start Scotland

This advice applies to Scotland. See advice for See advice for England, See advice for Northern Ireland, See advice for Wales

Fair Start Scotland helps people in Scotland find work. 

It's voluntary and won't affect your existing benefits. You can't have your benefits stopped or sanctioned if you don't want to take part. 

Fair Start Scotland is no longer accepting new applications. Current members of the scheme will continue to receive support for up to 18 months pre-work and up to 12 months in work.

Fair Start Scotland has been replaced by a new employability scheme called No One Left Behind. You can read more about the No One Left Behind scheme on the Employability in Scotland website.

What Fair Start does

Fair start supports you to find work that meets your specific needs and circumstances. You should get at least 1 year of support to get a job, which might include:

  • help looking for jobs that fit your needs and circumstances

  • help with applications

  • mentoring

  • courses and training

  • personal development

  • specialist support if you're disabled

You will continue to be supported once you're in work. 

How to get Fair Start Scotland 

Your Fair Start provider depends on where you live.

The Jobcentre may refer you to your local Fair Start provider, or you can ask them to.

You can also contact the provider directly. Find your provider on the mygov.scot website.