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A new support scheme designed to help unemployed parents and those who are facing in-work poverty is being launched by Falkirk Council.

The Parental Employment Support Fund (PESF) will help to provide support for parents who face barriers to progressing their careers.

The support on offer includes help to gain a qualification; improving skills or work experience; money advice and; motivational support.

Dedicated support

Those eligible will work with a dedicated advisor to help them to progress their work ambitions and guide them to other support that is available.

To qualify for the support, you must be in any of the following categories:

  • Lone parent
  • Be a parent with three or more children
  • Come from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background
  • If your youngest child under one year
  • If you are a parent aged under 25
  • If you are a disabled parent

You also need to have the right to live and work in the UK.

"Helping hand"

Councillor David Alexander, spokesperson for Economic Development said: “Parents needing a helping hand can really benefit from this service. Working with an advisor, they will agree an action plan that sets out the steps aimed at helping with certificates, qualifications, applying for a new job or progressing in your workplace.

“We know there is a real need following on from COVID-19 that boosting employability skills will be needed by many parents.”

How to apply

To access the scheme, contact 01324 504408 or email etu@falkirk.gov.uk