Shirley-Anne Somerville

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People

Latest articles from Shirley-Anne Somerville

comment New benefit a big step for our social security system

THE year may not have started as most of us would have hoped, with a new Covid-19 lockdown in place. This brings all kinds of challenges, including possibly the need for many people with a long-term health conditions to take additional steps to stay safe; additional caring responsibilities; and the balancing of childcare and home schooling with other pressures such as working at home.

comment How we are helping hard-hit young people with Job Start Payment

YOUNG unemployed people in Scotland can, from tomorrow, apply to get £250 to help with the costs of starting a new job. I’ve heard from young people about the challenges of finding work – a job offer is one of many hurdles but not the last. Some are then faced with preparation costs they simply can’t afford.