Local MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Constituency, Christina McKelvie, has welcomed a new Scottish benefit introduced today that will help 16 to 24-year olds into work if they have been unemployed for over six months.

The SNP Scottish Government’s Job Start Payment is a one-off grant of £250 to help with the costs of starting a new job.

The upper age limit rises to 25 for care leavers and the payment rises to £400 if the person has a child.

It is estimated around 5,000 young people across Scotland will benefit from this new financial support in its first year.

Commenting, SNP MSP Christina said:

“The job prospects of young people in our constituency and across Scotland have been hit hard by this pandemic. It is simply not fair to expect the youth of our country to shoulder the burdens that come with coronavirus alone.

“So, this announcement of extra support to help our young people into work really couldn’t come at a better time.

“This payment will help local people with the extra expenses that are often attached to a starting a new job, such as travel costs, new work clothes or even childcare.

“In Government, the SNP is working hard to create new opportunities for work as we rebuild our economy. I’d encourage anyone in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse who thinks they may be eligible to apply online.”