Please find below full information, application form and frequently asked questions:

• • How do I apply to create a placement? (Inc. application form)
  • What do I need to be able to create a placement? (Inc. Job Description template)
  • Who can host a placement?
  • How many placements can I apply to host?
  • Can a placement be extended beyond 26 weeks?
  • Can I create a placement for more than 25 hours per week?
  • Can you give some examples of how the hours could look on a weekly basis?
  • What costs can be covered?
  • What other support is available to employers?
  • Do I have to sign a funding agreement?
  • What if I have a candidate in mind?

How do I apply to create a placement?

1. Complete the Paid Work Placement Job Description PWP Job Description Template and save this on your PC. You will be asked to upload this on your application.
2. Have your current Employer’s Liability insurance certificate ready to upload on your application.
3. Complete your application HERE (currently closed)

What do I need to be able to create a placement?

All placements must be:

• Based in Glasgow
• Be additional – they must not replace existing vacancies
• Not cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose work or reduce their working hours

Before being eligible for placement, an employer must:

• Have appropriate Employers Liability Insurance – we will ask you for proof of this as part of the application process.
• Comply with current and future Equality and Diversity legislation and policies, ensuring equal opportunities policies are implemented in the workplace.
• Comply with all current Health and Safety Legislation and ensure the employee receives relevant written health and safety instructions.
• Ensure an easily accessible grievance procedure is in place and clearly explained to each employee.
• Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the General Data Protection Regulations (May 2018). This applies to data sharing, transfer and retention.
• Submit a job description template.

If you are successful in receiving a placement, you must ensure that the placement employee:

• Receives a job offer letter
• Receives a copy of their Job Description
• Is entitled to the same conditions of employment as your other employees
• Receives a written Contract of Employment or Terms and Conditions of Employment
• Participates in induction training within two weeks of starting their job
• Receives appropriate on-the-job training to enable them to carry out their role adequately. We also encourage employers to provide all appropriate training in line with their policies
• Receives support and supervision

Who can host a placement?

Placements are open to public, private and third (or voluntary) sector employers in the city. At least 50% of the posts will be in the third or voluntary sector. 

Placements are limited, and we will prioritise organisations that can provide a quality placement opportunity and where there is a high chance of the employee sustaining employment at the end of the programme. 

This could be because the employer is likely to be able to keep them on, or because they will leave with a qualification or training in a field with high demand.

How many placements can I apply to host?

Eligible employers can apply for one post. It may be that at the closing date we are able to increase this. The application form will ask you to indicate if you are able to create additional placements so we can gather this information. In determining any additional posts we will consider staff ratios in terms of support and supervision in addition to the prioritising mentioned above.

Can a placement be extended beyond 26 weeks?

There will be no extensions beyond 26 weeks. If there is an underspend in hours across the programme we will use these to create additional placements.

Can I create a placement for more than 25 hours per week?

Yes you can, however you must cover the additional costs yourself and the additional hours should be paid at the Real Living Wage rate. The programme will only fund the Real Living Wage cost for up to 25 hours per week and the corresponding employer pension and national insurance costs on this amount.

Can you give some examples of how the hours could look on a weekly basis?

• 21 hr/w for 26 weeks would be a full 550 hour placement
• 25 hr/w for 22 weeks would be a full 550 hour placement
• 16 hr/w for 26 weeks would be a 416 hour placement

What costs can be covered?

Employers can claim the following costs associated with hosting the placement:

• Wages at National Living Wage for up to 550 hours
• Corresponding National Insurance contributions
• Corresponding employer pension contributions at 3%
• Up to £250 for uniforms or equipment needed by the employee

All costs must be claimed retrospectively, providing evidence of expenditure (e.g. payslips, invoices, bank statements).
There is also a £250 allowance for the employee to undertake relevant vocational or industry-specific qualifications.

What other support is available to employers?

Employers will also receive support from partners with the candidate’s recruitment and any adjustments necessary for the employee to engage in work. Partners will:

• Advertise all approved placements via a dedicated website, accessible to Glasgow’s employability providers.
• Verify the eligibility of candidates
• Forward applications to employers
• Arrange interviews
• Notify candidates of all arrangements and outcomes

Do I have to sign a funding agreement?

Employers who have their application to take part in the Paid Work Placements Glasgow programme accepted will receive a letter advising them of this (funding letter). Before we submit candidates for your Paid Work Placements Glasgow vacancy or provide any grant funding, you will need to enter into an agreement with us that explains what you can use the funding for and the standards you will need to uphold as a recipient of public money.

An extract of the agreement can be found HERE: PWP Employer Agreement EXTRACT

What if I have a candidate in mind?

Anyone who is interested in applying for an advertised placement must apply to be participants in the programme and be confirmed as eligible to participate. If you are an employer who has already identified a suitable employee, you can tell us about them. They’ll need to be referred to the programme and meet all eligibility criteria (see below for the application process for participants). If eligible they can then apply to your vacancy by completing an application form (supplied by us for all placements under this programme) and completing the selection process along with any other candidates.

Closing date for applications was Monday 31 July 2023

If you have any questions on the programme please contact pwp@gcvs.org.uk

Find placement opportunities at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce >>

Thank you for your interest in the Paid Work Placement programme. Due an overwhelmingly high response, we are not currently accepting any further applications. 

Should there be any further placements available we will update this website with more details.

• Information and FAQs for Participants / Employees
• What do I get out of it?
• How do I get involved?

Who can get a Placement?

The programme is open to residents within Glasgow City boundary, aged 16 to pensionable age, who are not currently working but are eligible to work in the UK. Evidence of eligibility to work in the UK and proof of address will be required. Participants must be ready for work but have barriers to employment that make it difficult for them to secure a job independently. There is no definitive list of what constitutes a barrier, but this could include the following:

• Having a disability.
• Being in a racialised group.
• Being a care leaver.
• Having a criminal conviction.
• Being a lone parent or being homeless.

Places in the programme are limited, and we will prioritise people who can benefit the most – people who are ready for work but unable to secure a job.

What do I get out of it?

As an employee on a placement, you’ll get valuable experience of work while being paid at least the Real Living Wage (£10.90 per hour). To help you get the most out of your placement, you’ll also have support, including somebody to help you think about your goals and access any training you need. At the end of the post, you might be offered a continuing role with your placement employer, but you might prefer to find another job or go to college or university. Either way, support is in place to help you achieve your aim.

How do I get involved?

Find all current opportunities here.

Or, please register your interest by emailing workplacements@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com. That way, when placements become available, a member of the team can meet with you to check you are eligible and then keep you in the loop for any opportunities that might be suitable. Applications to opportunities are via an application form.