18 April 2026
Scottish Government announces support to help parents and carers into work
The Scottish Government has announced new measures to support parents and carers to enter, remain in, and progress within the workforce.
As a result of £21 million of new, targeted investment in colleges and skills, families at risk of poverty will receive additional support to train, to help them enter stable, well-paid work or progress in their career, with delivery expected to commence for parents and carers starting courses in September for the 2026-27 academic year.
The initiative is designed to provide thousands of families with improved opportunities to learn, earn and thrive, recognising the barriers that caring responsibilities can create when accessing employment and training.
The support will focus on improving access to flexible learning, skills development and employability services. This includes working in partnership with organisations such as the Scottish Funding Council and Colleges Scotland to ensure provision better meets the needs of parents and carers.
A key aim is to reduce child poverty by helping more parents and carers into sustainable employment, while also supporting progression once in work. The approach aligns with Scotland’s wider employability strategy, which emphasises inclusive growth and ensuring that no one is left behind.
The announcement highlights the importance of joined-up services, with a focus on removing practical barriers such as childcare, access to training and flexible work options. By improving coordination across services, the initiative aims to create clearer pathways into employment for those with caring responsibilities.
Overall, the measures reinforce the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting families and strengthening workforce participation, particularly among groups who may face additional challenges in accessing work.
Read the full Scottish Government news release on supporting parents and carers to work.
As a result of £21 million of new, targeted investment in colleges and skills, families at risk of poverty will receive additional support to train, to help them enter stable, well-paid work or progress in their career, with delivery expected to commence for parents and carers starting courses in September for the 2026-27 academic year.
The initiative is designed to provide thousands of families with improved opportunities to learn, earn and thrive, recognising the barriers that caring responsibilities can create when accessing employment and training.
The support will focus on improving access to flexible learning, skills development and employability services. This includes working in partnership with organisations such as the Scottish Funding Council and Colleges Scotland to ensure provision better meets the needs of parents and carers.
A key aim is to reduce child poverty by helping more parents and carers into sustainable employment, while also supporting progression once in work. The approach aligns with Scotland’s wider employability strategy, which emphasises inclusive growth and ensuring that no one is left behind.
The announcement highlights the importance of joined-up services, with a focus on removing practical barriers such as childcare, access to training and flexible work options. By improving coordination across services, the initiative aims to create clearer pathways into employment for those with caring responsibilities.
Overall, the measures reinforce the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting families and strengthening workforce participation, particularly among groups who may face additional challenges in accessing work.
Read the full Scottish Government news release on supporting parents and carers to work.
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