The Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) Paid Work Placement is a funding initiative designed to support businesses and third-sector organisations in West Lothian. This programme enables employers to create new, meaningful, and paid work placements for local residents, particularly those seeking to enhance their employability skills.
The programme provides 100% funding for a 13-week paid work placement opportunity, with placements paid at the real living wage rate of £12.60 per hour. The focus is on creating intermediate labour market opportunities that help local residents gain valuable work experience and improve their employment prospects. Businesses and third-sector organisations within West Lothian are eligible to access the funding to support the creation of paid placements.
The aim of the initiative is to enhance employability, provide real-world work experience, and support the local economy by creating job opportunities. In addition to the work placements, the programme also provides £500 towards accredited training or equipment to further support the development of participants' skills.
This initiative is particularly beneficial for individuals who are looking to re/enter the workforce or gain more experience to improve their future job prospects, while also assisting businesses in expanding their workforce with skilled, motivated individuals.
Key Features of the ERI Work Placement
- New and Additional Roles: Funded placements must create new opportunities and not duplicate, displace or substitute existing jobs
- Intermediate Labour Market Opportunities: The fund supports short-term placements designed to provide work experience and skills development
- Real Living Wage Guarantee: Placements must offer a minimum of 16 hours and up to 40 hours per week, which will be paid at least the Real Living Wage (currently £12.60/hour)
- Fixed-Term Contracts: All placements must involve a formal employment contract for the duration of the placement
- Training Support: Employers will receive £500 per placement to support industry-recognised, accredited training or equipment for trainee. Employers must retain evidence of receipts, as it may be requested at any time
- Placement Duration: Placements must begin on or before 17th March, last for a minimum of 13 weeks, and be uploaded onto our system by that date.
Eligibility Criteria for Employers
This funding is open to businesses and organisations that meet the following criteria:
- Businesses and third sector organisations (including social enterprises) that are based in West Lothian and have fewer than 250 employees. Anchor organisations (for example, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, etc) currently operating in West Lothian are also welcome to apply
- Funding applications cannot be submitted for individuals already employed
- Placements must not commence until funding approval and candidate eligibility confirmation
- Real Living Wage: Pay all new starts, existing employees, and apprentices at least £12.60/hour
- Fair Work First Commitments: Implement Scottish Government Fair Work First guidance, ensuring fair pay and providing effective worker voice channels
- Employees must receive a written contract for the duration of the placement within two months of starting.
Note: Employers using zero-hour contracts are not eligible for this programme.
Eligibility Criteria for Placement Participants
Participants must be West Lothian residents who meets one of the eligibility criteria noted below:
- 16-24 years old and currently unemployed or underemployed (i.e., on a zero-hour contract), or
- A parent with a dependent child, or
- Aged 25+ and unemployed
Funding and Payment Details
- Employers can receive funding to cover placement costs based on the Real Living Wage, currently £12.60 per hour, for up to 40 hours per week over a maximum of 13 weeks. A grant of up to £6,552 is available, depending on the hours worked per week
- Training Support: Employers will receive £500 per placement to support industry-recognised, accredited training or equipment for trainee. Employers must retain evidence of receipts, as it may be requested at any time
- The grant is paid in one instalment at the start of the placement
- Employers must upload proof of salary payments (e.g. payslip and bank statement) at weeks 4 and 13.
Additional Support for Employees
Employees will receive ongoing support from an Access2Employment advisor. They must register and provide:
- Evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK
- Proof of residence in West Lothian
- Complete an Access2Employment Registration Form.
Are You Ready to Create a Work Placement?
If you are interested in creating a work placement within your business for a West Lothian resident, the ERI Work Placement Fund can help. By providing financial support and training opportunities, we aim to make it easy for you to contribute to your community while growing your business.
To apply for the Employer Recruitment Incentive, please complete the Expression of Interest Form
Funding Success Stories
We have extensive experience in developing funding support packages for West Lothian businesses, whether they are just getting started, already well established, or relocating to the area. Click below to learn more about we have helped the growth and prosperity of companies within West Lothian.
