Opportunity Boost Scheme to open doors to employment

Released On 14th Mar 2022

A new grant has been launched to help people in Somerset overcome financial barriers when seeking employment and returning to work.

The Opportunity Boost Scheme will provide grants worth up to £500 to help with the cost associated progressing into work, such as transport costs, childcare, work clothes, learning resources and training courses.

The funding for scheme has been provided through the Somerset Recovery Fund, and the initiative is being delivered in partnership between Somerset County Council and Citizens Advice Somerset.

To qualify, applicants must live in Somerset, be aged 16 or over, not be entitled to any other financial assistance for job seeking and have a pre-Covid salary of less than £25,000.

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Somerset County Council has developed a number of initiatives to help the county’s economy recover from the impacts of the Covid pandemic.

“We are offering a wide range of support to businesses, but also want to make sure good potential employees are not missing out on job roles or returning to work due to financial barriers.

“The Opportunity Boost Scheme is a welcome initiative as part of our wider strategy to help Somerset’s economy move forward and prosper.”

Applications are now live and will close on Friday, March 25. To apply, visit Somerset Recovery Fund, Opportunity Boost Scheme project, Now Open. – Citizens Advice West Somerset (westsomersetadvice.org.uk