Future Works Programme Expands Support for Employers Across Perth & Kinross

Employers across Perth & Kinross are set to benefit from an expanded package of funding and support through the Future Works programme, designed to help businesses grow while creating high‑quality opportunities for local people.

Delivered by Perth & Kinross Council and the Local Employability Partnership, the programme is funded through the Scottish Government’s “No One Left Behind” initiative, ensuring national investment directly supports local employers and jobseekers.

At the heart of the offer is the Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI), which provides financial support to businesses hiring individuals who face barriers to employment. The ERI provides employers with a financial contribution towards the additional costs of recruiting and sustaining an individual in good quality employment. Employers can access up to £8,000 depending on the type of opportunity, with dedicated incentives for people with disabilities, parents, and those entering apprenticeships or traineeships.

The programme is designed to support sustainable employment, with staged payments helping employers retain staff and build confidence in new recruits. To qualify, employers must pay the Real Living Wage and offer contracts of at least 8 hours per week.

Rural businesses are also set to benefit from the Rural Skills Training & Mentorship Programme, which offers up to £5,000 to cover training and mentoring costs for new employees. This support is available to employers in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, horticulture and land management. The programme aims to support employers in rural Perthshire who provide opportunities within the rural skills sector, ensuring that rural industries continue to attract and develop new talent.

Funding can be used for accredited or non‑accredited training, as well as wage costs for staff who mentor new employees. Employers pay upfront and are reimbursed within 14 working days once evidence is submitted — a simple, business‑friendly process.

To help employers reach the right candidates, Future Works also provides a free Vacancy Management Service. The team promotes vacancies across social media, partner networks and directly to jobseekers, offering an easy and effective way to boost visibility, connect with motivated applicants, and support local employment opportunities.

Together, these programmes reflect a strong commitment to inclusive growth — helping businesses expand while ensuring that people facing barriers have access to high‑quality, sustainable employment. With Scottish Government funding in place and support available until 2027 for some programmes, employers across Perth & Kinross have a significant opportunity to strengthen their workforce and contribute to a thriving local economy.

Employers can access up to £5,000 to cover training and/or mentoring costs for employees who have entered employment within the last 3 months.

Eligibility for employers:

•  must operate within the rural skills sector (for example: farming, agriculture, forestry, land management)
•  must be based in rural Perth and Kinross
•  must be an SME with 250 employees or fewer
•  must provide a copy of the employee’s contract of employment

Eligibility for employees:

•  must reside in Perth and Kinross
•  must be a new employee of less than 3 months

How to Apply

To discuss eligibility or begin an application for any Future Works programme, employers can contact the team directly at:

skillsandemployment@pkc.gov.uk