I NOTE your article on the Scottish Government’s new devolved employment support programme ("Charities have deja vu as Government launches employability alternative", The Herald, October 10). The article claims that there is “a long history of anger” in the third sector over the private sector contracts involved in previous UK employment support schemes.

In Scotland the Scottish Government has treated the third sector very fairly and provided a core budget of £24.5 million this year. I look forward to working closely with the sector on the new Fair Start Scotland programme and across other employment programmes like Community Jobs Scotland, which has seen £50 million invested since its inception.

Third sector organisations have been engaged and consulted extensively throughout the design of Fair Start Scotland. This included third sector representation on Scotland’s Devolved Employment Services Advisory Group, and at pre-market engagement events, attended by SCVO and a range of other third sector partners. I remain committed to continuing to consult and engage third sector interests as we move into delivery of Fair Start Scotland.

The article goes on to state that “Mr Hepburn claims the third sector has significant involvement in two other contract areas”. This is not a claim. It is actually the position – and across each contract area. Just as the third sector played a key role in informing our approach to Fair Start Scotland, it will, rightly, play a critical role in its delivery. I expect to see third sector involvement in all nine contract areas, with more than 50 per cent of provision being delivered by public and third sector and supported businesses.

I have been consistent and clear from the very beginning of this process – in print, in public and in Parliament – that a mixed economy of third, public and private sector suppliers, will deliver better outcomes for participants. My priority is to find the best outcome for those who need help to find work, and to stay in work and I will work with all Fair Start Scotland providers - private, public and third sector – to achieve this.

Jamie Hepburn,

Minister for Employability and Training, the Scottish Government, Holyrood, Edinburgh.