Charities share £800,000 to tackle workplace inequality

The Scottish government has handed grants totalling £800,000 to charities and other organisations to improve inclusivity and diversity in the country's workplaces.

The money has been handed out through the Scottish government’s Workplace Equality Fund, which is being administered by Advice Direct Scotland.

It is focused on improving equality in the workplace for women, ethnic minority workers, staff with disabilities and those aged over 50.

Survivors of gender-based violence, those experiencing loneliness as well as workers with symptoms of the menopause are also among priority groups.

A total of 54 applications were made and 13 organisations were successful in being awarded funding to assist employers.

Those to receive funding include Cornerstone’s Menopause Awareness Project, Perth Autism Support and Age Scotland.

Others include Scottish Refugee Council and Fair Deal’s Refugees in Social Care Careers project.

Age Scotland’s grant is for the Age Inclusion for People Managers and Key Influencers project in partnership with University of Edinburgh Business School.

“Much of the ageism experienced by older workers happens through interactions with their line managers,” said Age Scotland’s director of social enterprise Mike Douglas.

“In order for organisations to be as age inclusive as possible, the skills of their people managers are key.

"To help them achieve this we are aiming to work with 1,500-line managers and key influencers over the next two years to help them better understand the needs and challenges faced by their older workers so they can offer them the best possible support, and ultimately maximise their experience, value and potential.”

Thirteen projects to boost inclusivity and diversity at work have successfully applied to the Scottish Government’s Workplace Equality Fund, driving forward Scotland’s Fair Work Framework.

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Advice Direct Scotland policy director Conor Forbes added: “The 13 successful applicants include a range of inspiring projects designed to increase diversity and inclusion in a variety of different sectors, all around Scotland.

“The Workplace Equality Fund will support employers to address and resolve long-standing barriers facing under-represented groups within the labour market and will help to promote and embed principles of inclusivity and fairness within Scotland’s workplaces.”