Job support for former drug users

The scheme aims to help the "hidden unemployed"

Moves to improve the chances of recovering drug addicts getting jobs have been backed by a £250,000 support project in Glasgow's east end.

The two year Link-Up scheme has been launched by the East End Partnership to provide help for about 250 drug users.

A team of three advisers will liaise with employers, organise training and run aftercare support services.

The Scottish Drugs Forum has estimated that getting vulnerable people into work could save £400m in 10 years.

The Link-Up project will offer services including career guidance, personal and social development activities, work placements and access to a small development fund.

Educating employers

Brian McAleenan, chief executive of the East End Partnership, said: "Two out of every three jobs in Glasgow go to people from outside areas, yet there are currently between 60,000 and 100,000 people in the city who are not working.

"Recovering drug users are the hidden unemployed because they're on incapacity benefit and until now employers have ignored the possibility of hiring people because of their background but we want to change that.

"There are so many vacant positions that can be filled with this good source of labour - it's simply a case of educating employers."

Link-Up has received £166,000 from the Big Lottery Fund's Better Off programme.