The two-year initiative aims to address longstanding barriers in the labour market so that everyone - irrespective of gender, age, race or disability – can fulfil their potential and improve the country’s economic performance.
A total of £800,000 is available for the first year of the initiative. Charities, third sector organisations, public sector organisations and private sector businesses can apply for up to £75,000 in each year of the fund to carry out activities that will help to improve diversity in the workplace.
Applications for the 2022-24 Workplace Equality Fund are now open.
The funding is for projects focused on one or more priority groups from the following:
- Women
- Minority ethnic workers
- Disabled workers
- Older workers (aged over 50)
- People who experience gender-based violence
- Workers are experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness
- Workers experiencing symptoms of the menopause
- Veterans
- Spouses of veterans
Last year, funds offered support during the pandemic to ensure efforts to promote and embed workplace equality could continue so equality groups were not further disadvantaged by the economic impact of Covid-19.
Minister for just transition, employment and fair work Richard Lochhead MSP said, ‘Employment rates, pay gaps, occupational segregation, workplace discrimination and progression opportunities within the labour market vary significantly across Scotland.
‘The Scottish Government is committed to inclusive economic growth and helping employers develop their workplace practices to address inequality is key to the Workplace Equality Fund.
‘Promoting growth in employment opportunities and tackling inequality within the labour market is essential to the sustained, long-term prosperity of the Scottish economy.’
Pamela Stewart, deputy chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, added, ‘We are proud to be working with the Scottish Government to deliver this important fund which will help businesses in the childcare sector.’
- Organisations and businesses that wish to apply for funding should visit equalityadvice.scot Applications are open until April 11, 2022.