Employer Engagement

The team work closely with our Procurement and Thriving Economies teams supporting local employers to fulfil community benefit pledges and helping create further opportunities for South Ayrshire residents and communities.

Working in partnership with local employers and other organisations to create learning experiences and work opportunities for people whose circumstances mean they may face additional challenges on their return to work journey, helping them develop the skills for work to allow them to secure and sustain employment.

Our Keyworkers provide aftercare support to clients who have been successful in gaining employment to ensure they continue to thrive within their role and sustain their employment. Continued support is also offered to businesses as part of our aftercare offer.

Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI)

Thriving Communities are investing in local businesses to help unemployed people of all age’s secure sustainable employment. 

If you are an employer who can offer meaningful and sustainable employment, you may be eligible to receive a grant up to 50% of the Real Living Wage for up to 35 hours per week, for 26 weeks for newly created roles or current vacancies.

Employers must consider a permanent contract of employment or a contract of no less than 12 months which must include hours per week and rate of pay. We do encourage employers to pay all their employees the Real Living Wage or above.

Please note eligibility criteria applies and all applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For more information please follow the below link:

Thriving Communities – Employability – South Ayrshire Council