Nicola Sturgeon in drive to help women back to work

Nicola Sturgeon tries out some new technology as she opens Deloittes new office in Glasgow. Picture: Chris James

A project to help women re-enter the workplace after a career break is to be trialled in Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government will work with employers across the country to pilot the scheme, which will help women update their skills and knowledge as they return to work.

The First Minister announced the project as she opened Deloitte’s new Glasgow office, where she met women who have benefited from the firm’s working parents transitions programme.

She said women can lose confidence and relevant skills after being out of the workforce.

“Every woman must get the best support to return to work and that is why we will pilot a Returners project, working with employers to get the right processes and training in place to help women back into work,” Ms Sturgeon said.

“Greater equality of opportunity is a priority for my government and that applies to everyone. When we tap into the diverse talents and the rich experiences of everyone, we’ll have a stronger economy and country.”

Elaine Boyle is one of the beneficiaries of Deloitte’s working parents transitions programme.

The programme is available to any primary carer working at the firm and is designed to help new parents make a smooth transition back into the workplace following maternity or paternity leave.

She said: “It has given me a local network of other women returning from maternity leave and has created a setting in which I can be candid about challenges faced, take comfort that others are working through this too.”