The Scottish Government has announced that more than 250 paid NHS placements will be made available to parents across Scotland as part of plans to eradicate child poverty.
The placements will be in roles including porters, caterers, healthcare support workers, administration assistants, and assistant technical officers and will be available across 18 health boards.
The placements will last between six and 18 months and will be targeted at those facing the greatest risk of poverty.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville visited Kirklands HQ, NHS Lanarkshire, to mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week. She said: "Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we know that fair work in the NHS will offer a real route out of poverty for families.
“We are equipping parents with the skills and experience needed to have a long and successful career, with the opportunity for real progression, while strengthening the NHS workforce of the future.
“This project scales existing successful models already delivered by NHS boards and I’m pleased that we’re able to extend this opportunity to hundreds more families across the country.”
There she met, Mairead Doyle, who joined a similar employability programme with NHS Lanarkshire in 2024 and has since been promoted twice.
Doyle said: “The Parental Employability Programme gave me the confidence and support I needed to return to work after several years away from employment. Through the programme I secured a role with NHS Lanarkshire and have since progressed to a Band 4 position. It has had a positive impact on both my career and my family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity it provided."
Since its launch, the NHS Lanarkshire Demonstrator Programme has supported 136 parents and people experiencing long-term unemployment, with more than 77 per cent progressing into positive destinations, including directly into NHS employment. The most recent programme has achieved almost 88 per cent positive destinations.
Jacqui Jones, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of HR at NHS Lanarkshire said: “The NHS is one of the largest employers in Scotland and employment is one of the strongest drivers of good health by creating opportunities for local parents and families to gain skills, experience and jobs, we are helping people thrive, building a workforce that reflects our communities, and making a positive difference to the health of Lanarkshire."
