Hyslop Welcomes Scotland’s First Social Security Service and Job Launch in Bathgate

Hyslop Welcomes Scotland’s First Social Security Service and Job Launch in Bathgate

Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the unanimous vote in Parliament which passed Scotland’s first social security system and the launch of the recruitment process to support the new services which took place at Bathgate Partnership Centre on Tuesday (24th April).

The new Social Security Scotland service will have a presence in every local authority area, with staff co-located in existing public and third sector services – all of which will make it easily accessible to local communities and anyone looking for information and support.

Fiona Hyslop commented;

“This is a historic moment for Scotland and I am delighted that the Minister for Social Security, Jeane Freeman, came to Bathgate to launch the Scottish Government’s recruitment process to support these new powers.

“Our system will be rights based, with access to independent advocacy for those who need it. It will offer fast-tracked arrangements and no arbitrary timescale for people with terminal illness. And it will support the right for local people to challenge decisions without having your money instantly cut.

“To offer the best service, we need to have the best staff and ensure that they are accessible and reliable, working in existing premises alongside established local health and social work colleagues, and so it is right to base these new jobs in community hubs like the partnership in Bathgate.”

ENDS

 

Background

The first of at least 400 jobs, created to deliver devolved social security support within local communities across Scotland, are now open for applications.