For Employers

Case Studies

Discover how partnering with Moray Pathways can benefit your business. In this case study, we follow Andrew’s journey as he transitions into an apprenticeship with local company Springfield Property. His story highlights the value of collaboration between employers and our team to create meaningful opportunities and build a skilled workforce.

Andrew’s success is just one example of how we work closely with employers to match talented individuals with the right opportunities. By supporting apprenticeships and tailored training, we help businesses like yours find motivated candidates while contributing to the growth of our local community.

Andrew’s Story

Our Recruitment Incentive

The Moray Employer Recruitment Incentive helps people with the greatest barriers to employment get jobs and stay in jobs. The Incentive is coordinated by the Moray Pathways Local Employability Partnership, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Moray Council.

Employers from Private, Public and Third Sector Organisations can apply for this funding. It can provide up to £8807 for newly created job placements. The position created must be in line with the Fair Work guidance which you can find here. Employers who are successful receive the money direct.

Application Guidelines

• Applications will be scored according to set guidance.
• If accepted, the employer will be notified via email. They will also be informed of the grant amount (see table below for guidance).
• Moray Pathways practitioners will endeavour to match the employer with a suitable participant. Additional information about the post may be required from the employer at this point.
• The matching process will be open for 2 weeks. If there is interest, we kindly ask the employer to wait until the end of the 2 week period before making a decision.
• If matching is unsuccessful, the post will be advertised via our Moray Pathways website using our standard Moray Pathways application form. A link to the job advert will be sent to the employer to allow advertising via their own channels. Vacancy advert will be open for a maximum of 3 weeks.
• Employers must have a participant in post within 8 weeks of approval. If this is not met, the grant offer may be withdrawn.
• Employers should carry out an appropriate and fair recruitment process.
• Participants must meet the criteria outlined within the Referral Form.
• Once a recruitment decision has taken place, the employer should submit the Referral Form. Once approved, the employer will then receive a formal grant offer letter.
• A Keyworker will be allocated to provide support/guidance and to oversee progress. Please note that payment of the grant is dependent on this support in addition to the receipt of relevant documentation.
• Employees must be issued a contract, a copy of which must also be sent to Moray Pathways. The contract can be permanent or fixed term for a minimum of 6 months.
• The employers will be required to pay an hourly minimum of Real Living Wage (currently £12.00). Employers should also keep in line with any government increases within Real Living Wage. Contracted hours must be no less than 8 per week. The maximum number of hours is 48 (40, if under 18 years of age).
• Flexible / Zero-hour contracts are not permitted.
• Employers are expected to invoice monthly (in arrears) for grant payment, although this can be flexible. Payslips must accompany invoices. Please note it can take up to 30 days from day of submission for payments to be processed.
• The employer may also use their allocated MERI grant to claim for additional costs related to the employee (e.g. training, required clothing, equipment). Evidence of this should also accompany the invoice.
• Employers must spend their fund before the end of March 2025.