Funding is available to help West Lothian businesses create employment opportunities for West Lothian residents. Businesses can receive funding to cover 50% of the salary of the new employee (based on the employee receiving 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, the business will be asked to provide proof of the salary paid to the employee, in the form of 1 payslip and 1 bank statement. You'll need to submit this again at 13 weeks and 26 weeks. This evidence is required before the second payment can be released.

Yes, if your business is based in West Lothian and has fewer than 250 employees.

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 up 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 (this is currently £10.90 per hour).

This is a free service.

The wage subsidy programme will pay 50% of the employee's salary for a maximum of 40 hours per week, for up to 26 weeks. Your business will need to cover the remainder of the employee's salary.

West Lothian businesses that have fewer than 250 employees and are looking to create an employment opportunity for a West Lothian resident.

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.

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

Visit the Invest in West Lothian website for more information.