Connecting employers and people
Employers play a vital role by having the opportunities that enables people to unlock their full potential in the workplace.
In return, we can connect them with clients who have the core skills and experience needed to become valued members of staff, supporting both people and businesses in the Highlands to thrive.
Find out more on this page about the support available to help Highland employers connect with:
- People starting work for the first time
- Individuals returning to work after a break
Candidate Matching
Work. Life. Highland supports individuals across the Highlands on their journey into employment. Many of the people we work with are ready to start work now or are close to being work-ready with the right support.
We welcome employers to get in touch to discuss their recruitment needs, and we will do our best to match you with suitable candidates currently engaging with our team.
If you’re looking to recruit, contact us today to find out how we can support your business.
Email: [email protected]
Highland Employer Recruitment Incentive (HERO)
HERO is designed to help people with barriers to employment, get and sustain a job.
Private sector (including sole traders / self-employed) or third sector employers with less than 200 employees in Highland can apply to HERO to provide a job opportunity for an unemployed person who is facing challenges with progressing into employment.
The fund will help with the costs of recruiting and employing someone who meets the criteria. Depending on the number of hours per week the recruit will be working, grants of up to £10,000 can be awarded.
Email: [email protected]
Paid Third Sector Placements
Paid Third Sector Placements are available to Third Sector and community organisations based in Highland.
The initiative aims to support trainees to develop the skills and experience needed to move into sustainable and fair employment after the placement by providing six months of paid work experience of between 16 and 30 hours per week.
Funding will cover trainee’s wage, as well as any employer’s National Insurance and pension contributions for up to 30 hours per week over the six-month placement.
To be eligible, employers must pay all staff, including trainees, at least the Scottish Real Living Wage.
Email: [email protected]
Supported Employment
Supported employment is an initiative designed to support disabled people or people with long term conditions to get work.
From an employers’ perspective, they have access to a wider talent pool whilst recruiting a diverse workforce that better reflects the customers and communities they serve.
We offer 1-2-1 supported employment for anyone in Highlands with a long-term health condition or disability who is looking to enter employment. This includes access to support from a qualified and experienced key worker for both clients and employers prior to and after recruitment.
Get in touch today to explore how supported employment can benefit your business.
Email: [email protected]
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If you are a growing Highland business, expand your team by welcoming passionate people from the local community.
Work Life Highland can connect you with potential employees and there could be grant support available too.
Let’s build the Highlands together. Find out more at worklifehighland.co.uk.
Work Life Highland is delivered by the Highland Employability Partnership with support from the Scottish.
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Building great workplaces with flexible working.
Flexible working isn’t a buzz word. It’s
a game changer for your business. Flexible working means much more than just working from home.
Even small changes can make a big difference. Flexible start and finish times, compressed hours, input into shifts, term time hours, hybrid working, remote working, part-time.
Demand for flexible working is growing for many reasons. Flexible working is vital, helping many people get into work and stay in work.
What Scottish businesses are saying about Flex.
72% say it’s been good for business.
75% have retained good staff.
69% have reported reduced sickness and absence.
59% say they’ve improved quality and quantity of job candidates.
Organizations that fail to adapt risk losing top talent and more flexible competitors. It’s becoming the new norm.
41% of workers considering changing jobs flex is important.
53% of unemployed Scottish adults say flexible working matters in their job search.
83% of workers say flex makes them want to stay with their current employer. Even simple changes can have a big impact.
We are here to help with practical support and advice. Flexibility works and work life highlands.
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Universal Credit brings more flexibility for employers and claimants.
Universal Credit does not have a 16-hour rule. Employees’ Universal Credit will not necessarily end if they work extra hours, get bonus payments, get overtime, have more than one job or are on a zero-hour contract.
You can give employees more hours, pay and responsibility, enabling them to increase their skills and progress within your company, encouraging retention and long-term reduction in recruitment costs.
The way Universal Credit is calculated means that claimants have flexibility to consider short-term work, as they know their benefit payments will be adjusted as their earnings change.
Universal Credit supports working parents by offering more generous childcare support,
helping them not only move into work but increase their hours and availability.
By making your vacancies more flexible, you can attract a wider range of candidates
including those claiming Universal Credit.
For example, you could do this by offering varying shift patterns, job share opportunities, and transport options.
To find out more about Universal Credit go to GOV.UK and type ‘Universal Credit and employers’ into the search box.
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Other Useful Links
In addition to Work. Life. Highland, a range of organisations are available across Highland to help employers.
Case studies
Some examples of how Work. Life. Highland has helped people and employers in Highland unlock their work potential.