Support for women returning to work

Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn today announced the successful recipients of Scottish Government Returners Fund grants at a visit in Edinburgh. Mr Hepburn met returners, interns and staff from the Adopt an Intern programme at the premises of employer partners, Future X. Adopt an Intern project have been awarded £55,000 to expand their work with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women returners, supporting personal and work based confidence and resilience. Returner, Sheila Roussel, Owner of Sheila Roussel Jewellery Design, said: “Adopt an Intern really helped to build my confidence in my new career. Not only did the internships give me access to the practical side of these businesses, which was invaluable, but also gave me access to a network of industry professionals and customers that I would have found difficult to access without the positions.” Mr Hepburn said: “Evidence suggests there are a number of barriers around women returning to work following an extended absence, with many experiencing a ‘motherhood penalty’ following maternity. “This government has a commitment to identify and address the issues preventing women re-entering the workforce, particularly rebuilding skills, knowledge and confidence while enabling employers to gain from recruiting and retaining skilled, experienced staff. “Scotland continues to outperform the UK in terms of female participation in the labour market, however I realise there is more to do to address some of the barriers to work that returners are encountering. “I am pleased to visit Future X today to see the valuable work that Adopt an Intern are doing to support BME women into internships.” Joy Lewis, CEO of Adopt an Intern said: “We’re pleased to be allocated this additional funding to open up possibilities for BME women returners who prove that technology and terminology may change, but aptitude and attitude do not. “Our thanks to Diageo, one of the companies who have agreed to take on a returner, and Radiant and Brighter who work with the BME community. With this funding we can now work towards closing the pay gap and overcoming the more unseen challenges that face women in the BME community in the workplace.”