Lanarkshire workers encouraged to claim job start payment

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Lanarkshire MSP is encouraging young constituents starting new jobs to apply for financial support aiming to help with the costs of returning to the workplace.Neil Gray is highlighting the one-off job start payment, for those aged to 16 to 24 who have been offered a post after being unemployed for six months or more.

The funds of £267.65, or £428.25 for applicants with children, can be used to help with the costs of travel, work clothes or childcare.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Airdrie & Shotts representative Mr Gray said the Scottish Government payment responds to “how costly starting work can be, from buying the appropriate clothes to travelling and getting childcare arranged”.

He said: “People should never feel that they cannot accept a job because they don’t have the right clothes or want to ask someone to run them to work or look after their children – this takes that worry away and allows them to rejoin the workforce without feeling reliant on friends and family. “The job start payment could make all the difference to a young person, and I would urge anyone who is eligible to apply once they have received a firm offer.”Care leavers can apply for a further year, up to the day before their 26th birthday, and only need to be out of work and in receipt of a qualifying benefit on the day