The Wise Group will work with the bank on a one-year programme in Kilmarnock to deliver LifeSkills resources to individuals including the long-term unemployed, lone parents and individuals with prior convictions.

Barclays LifeSkills has announced a number of new charity partnerships to help tackle key issues facing the Scottish and UK labour markets. Programmes will aid progressing and staying in employment, supporting an ageing workforce and increasing employment skills levels.

The partnerships announced today will reach almost 200,000 adults who are most in need of greater, more bespoke support to get into, stay and progress in the workforce. Focusing on their most immediate needs and tackling the practical and emotional challenges faced. 

Kirstie Mackey, head of LifeSkills created with Barclays, said: “Making opportunities as inclusive as possible for all is key to boosting our labour market and helping the Scottish and UK economy to recover post-COVID.

“The expertise of all our charity partners coupled with the scale of our LifeSkills programme will benefit some of the most vulnerable groups in society, whether they are struggling with confidence, developing their skills, juggling caring responsibilities or returning to work after illness.

“We’re incredibly passionate about all the causes that our charity partners fight for and looking forward to working together to tackle some of the biggest barriers faced in getting into and progressing in the workplace.”