Case Study: Why David joined Fair Start Scotland

David had been unemployed since 2018. He has no vision in his right eye and claims this has been a barrier to work he has been unable to overcome. He joined the programme so he could afford to buy his own flat, as finding a job would allow him to take out a mortgage.

David’s personal adviser narrowed down his job goals. They agreed that his impaired vision limited some of his options, and that his CV needed updated. These were added to the action plan and they began working together to get David back into work.

How Fair Start Scotland helped

David’s Personal Adviser carried out a ‘Better Off Calculation’, an online tool available through the Fedcap Hub, to show him how much better off he would be in part-time and full-time work. Whilst he wanted to find a full-time role, David and his Personal Adviser agreed he should initially apply for part-time positions to help build his confidence and social skills.

Getting the job

When a part-time position at his local garage forecourt came up, he felt that this was the perfect job for him! David applied, and after an interview, was successfully offered the job. This meant that he had secured a permanent part-time role only after five weeks on the programme.

David is relieved to be back in work as he has worked hard all his career. He was keen to start back part-time and progress to more hours, which his new role is allowing him to do. There is nothing he does not like about the job and he said he is always willing to do more.