FORMER prisoners, homeless people and those with mental health problems will get better help to find work by linking support services, it is claimed.

Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn said the move, which will see 13 projects share £2.5 million of Holyrood cash, is part of the “fairer approach” to devolved work and welfare services.

The funding aims to link up housing, social care and other organisations to support vulnerable people to enter the workforce. Hepburn said: “People affected by homelessness, who have criminal convictions or suffer from mental ill-health face significant barriers to finding work, and it can be challenging to balance the search for a job with the need to access other important services.

“These 13 new projects will join together employability and skills support with health and social care, housing, and justice services which will improve the quality of localised support available for people across the country. The work of these projects ties in with the fairer approach we are taking to deliver our newly devolved employment services, where we have removed the threat of sanctions and are providing support that is more flexible, tailored and responsive to people’s needs.”

Hepburn made the announcement during a visit to Dundee yesterday. The city is one of 15 areas to benefit, with the others including Stirling, Inverclyde and Aberdeenshire.

John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “I am delighted that our joint bid to support people across the Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross area has been successful. We know that not having a job is only part of the challenge facing some people and this money will allow us to help them to overcome other issues around getting into employment.

“Specialist staff will be on hand to give support and advice as part of a 13-week programme, backed by the councils in Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross, while people are also learning new skills in applying for jobs, such as digital applications and improved interview techniques.”