Job Start Payment: Evaluation

The Scottish Government's evaluation of the Job Start Payment program assessed its effectiveness in helping young people on low incomes transition into employment by covering initial job-related costs. The program targets 16-24-year-olds who have been unemployed and receiving benefits for at least six months. The evaluation used qualitative research, stakeholder interviews, and data analysis. Results showed that the program has a straightforward application process and has aided recipients with costs and confidence. However, challenges such as low awareness, confusing eligibility criteria, and a high rate of application denials were identified. Suggestions for improvement include better promotion and clearer guidance. The program positively affected recipients' social networks and family wellbeing, but its impact on long-term employment and strategic government objectives remains uncertain. The document recommends continued monitoring and policy adjustments to improve effectiveness, and provides detailed statistical data and research methodology in the annexes. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: The Scottish Government (The Scottish Government)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Other
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: September 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes