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 100% of the salary of the new employee (based on the employee receiving the Real Living Wage), for a minimum of 12 hours and up to a maximum of 40 hours per week for up to 3 months.

The funding is paid in 2 instalments in month 1 and month 3.

After month 1, you'll be asked to provide proof of the salary paid to the employee, in the form of one payslip and one bank statement. At the end of month 3, you’ll need to provide payslips and bank statements for months 2 and 3 before the final payment is made.

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): 

• 16–24 years old and currently unemployed
• a parent or carer with at least one dependent child
• not in full-time training or education

In their new role, the employee must be employed for 12 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.

Successful applicants will receive 100% of the salary of the new employee (based on the employee receiving the Real Living Wage), for a minimum of 12 hours and up to a maximum of 40 hours per week for up to 3 months.

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 funding is paid in 2 instalments. The first instalment is in month 1 and the second instalment in month 3. 

Visit the Invest in West Lothian website for more information.