Smart Works Scotland has hosted its first Women Into Work Jobs Fair, bringing a diverse range of employers and support organisations together with unemployed women to help them into the workplace.
The charity held the Women into Work Jobs Fair in Glasgow on 26 March as part of ambitious plans to support 10,000 women across the UK this year, including up to 1,300 in Scotland.
More than 300 women attended the event which attracted employers including Police Scotland, First Bus, EE, NHS 24, Diageo, Hilton, and the Civil Service. Support organisations, including One Parent Families Scotland and Menopause Warriors, were on hand to provide tailored advice, in addition to the team from Smart Works Scotland.
Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Employment and Investment, joined Smart Works Scotland to mark the new event.
He said: “The Women Into Work Jobs Fair is a welcome expansion of Smart Works Scotland’s services. Helping people into work can boost their mental wellbeing and drive economic growth across Scotland.”
Smart Works Scotland, which has been operating for just over 10 years, provides free professional coaching and high-quality clothing to help women regain their confidence, get the job and transform their lives. More than two thirds of the women who are supported by the charity secure work within a month of accessing services.
However, recent research published by Smart Works suggests that women need help more than ever. According to the Smart Works Unemployment Index, which reflects conversations with more than 4,900 unemployed women from across the UK, women are now less likely to secure work than they were three years ago.
Respondents applied for an average of 38 jobs before they got work; and more than a quarter applied for at least 50 jobs.
Carys Roberts, Glasgow Outreach Lead, Smart Works Scotland, said: “Having a job can change the trajectory of women’s lives, providing financial security, giving them a sense of purpose and identity and enabling them to feel more independent.
“Unfortunately, our research found that the job market deteriorated significantly for women last year, with respondents citing challenges such as overly demanding application processes, increased use of artificial intelligence in the recruitment process, and a highly competitive job market.
“Our new jobs fair is designed to help women discover new job prospects and link directly with employers seeking to recruit, as well as offering opportunities to access tailored support from charities and training providers.
“We’d like to thank everyone that got involved for their support.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland’s positive action recruitment team, said: “Police Scotland is determined to become an inclusive policing Service which is anti-racist, and which stands against sexism, misogyny, homophobia and all forms of discrimination. By supporting events such as ‘Women into Work’, we aim to engage with women and promote the important role they can fulfil within policing in Scotland, ensuring our workforce reflects the communities we serve.”
