Local employers are being encouraged to sign-up to a scheme that has helped one East Lothian mum return to paid work after time spent caring for her children.
The Parental Employer Recruitment Incentive (PERI) offers funding to businesses for roles that will support parents back into work. Since starting in 2023, the initiative has awarded funding to 18 local businesses to help create 21 sustainable job opportunities for parents who faced barriers to employment. Employees will also receive dedicated in-work support from East Lothian Works' dedicated Parental Employability Support Team.
Employers in East Lothian can apply for up to £6,000 in funding through PERI to support newly-created roles for eligible parents, with applications open until March 2026. The programme is part of the Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Fund, which has enabled flexible employment opportunities across sectors including administration, animal care, hospitality, cosmetics, events management, gardening, electrical and childcare.
One success story is Karele, a small family-run equine charity based in East Lothian, which secured PERI funding to support Jemma Fairbairn, a dedicated volunteer and mother of two from Haddington, into paid employment at their stables.
Jemma, who has been volunteering while caring for her son, who has additional support needs, is now able to continue her passion for working with horses while gaining financial independence. She said: “This opportunity means the world to me. It’s not just a job, it’s a chance to grow, contribute and support my family doing something I love.”
Karele worked closely with East Lothian Works to access the funding and praised the council’s support.
Cath Ferguson, Director at Karele, said: “We’re thrilled to have Jemma officially join our team. She’s been an incredible volunteer and this funding allows us to give back while strengthening our charity. We would be keen to take on another placement if there are any interested parents in a similar situation.”
East Lothian employers can apply for the funding to create new, sustainable roles for eligible parents who are currently unemployed and not in full-time training or education.
Roles must:
- be new (not replacing existing staff)
- offer flexible working patterns (no zero-hour contracts)
- pay the Real Living Wage
- align with Fair Work Principles
Eligible candidates must live in East Lothian and meet one specific criteria: lone parent, parent or child with a disability, parent with three or more children, parent from a minority ethnic background, parent with the youngest child under one, parent under 25, other low-income parents (e.g. Kinship Carers).
Employers or parents interested in learning more should contact East Lothian Works at 01620 827262 or email the team