EXCLUSIVE: Scottish Lib Dems in career switch pledge with new grant
Tay FM can reveal the party will unveil a £5,000 Scottish Training Bond to help people “future proof” their careers
The Scottish Lib Dems are telling Tay FM they want to help people “future proof” their careers with the offer of a new £5,000 grant.
The Scottish Training Bond is one of the ideas being unveiled as part of their manifesto which is being launched in Edinburgh today.
Leader Willie Rennie says it aims to overcome the barriers thrown up as a result of the Covid crisis: “The pandemic has torn through our lives. People have missed out on career opportunities.
"Businesses are struggling to pay their bills and survive until the end of the crisis.
"People are worried about what the future will hold when furlough ends.”
The party says the bond will be accompanied with careers advice and will be targeted at those facing redundancy or who don’t have the finances to sustain themselves during their training.
There would also be help for people with “unconventional” CVs, such as no formal certification or extended periods of absence from the workplace.
Mr Rennie adds: “People need to be properly supported to get new careers.
"Times are tight for many people. If your savings are running low or your income has evaporated, then a few hundred pounds in support won’t see you through to that new career.”
The Lib Dems say they would want to work in partnership with businesses to develop their own schemes as part of their employee incentives.