Funding is available to help West Lothian businesses, third sector organisations, and anchor organisations (such as educational and healthcare institutions) create jobs for West Lothian residents.

You can get funding to cover 50% of the salary of the new employee at the Real Living Wage for a maximum of 40 hours per week, for up to 26 weeks. 

The wage subsidy funding is paid in 2 instalments. The first is paid at the start of the employment, and the second after 13 weeks.

After 4 weeks, you'll be asked to provide proof of the salary paid to the employee, in the form of one payslip and one bank statement. You'll need to submit this again at 13 weeks and 26 weeks. This evidence is required before you can receive the second payment.

Yes, if you: 

• are a business or third sector organisation (including social enterprises)
• are based in West Lothian
• have fewer than 250 employees
• have been trading for at least 6 months

Anchor organisations such as educational or healthcare institutions that operate in West Lothian are also welcome to apply.

The employee hired using the funding must be a West Lothian resident who is (at least one of the following): 

• 16 to 24 years old and currently unemployed or underemployed (for example, on a zero-hour contract)
• a parent with a dependent child
• aged 25 or over and unemployed

In their new role, the employee must be employed for 16 to 40 hours per week. Regardless of their age, the employee must be paid the Real Living Wage.

You'll need to provide your financial information as part of the application process.

This is a free service.

The wage subsidy programme will pay 50% of the employee's salary at the current Real Living Wage for a maximum of 40 hours per week, for up to 26 weeks. You'll need to cover the remainder of the employee's salary and any other costs.

West Lothian businesses, third sector organisations, and anchor organisations (such as educational and healthcare institutions) with fewer than 250 employees.

Once your eligibility and suitability have been confirmed, your application can be approved within 10 working days.

The wage subsidy funding is paid in 2 instalments. The first is paid at the start of the employment, and the second after 13 weeks.

You can receive the wage subsidy for up to 26 weeks.

Visit the Invest in West Lothian website for more information.