European Social Fund: participant guidance

Employment Status

Definition

Evidence required

Economically inactive **

“Persons currently not part of the labour market (in the sense that they are not employed or unemployed according to the definitions provided).”

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

Individuals who are not employed or registered unemployed.

The following individuals are considered ‘inactive’:

• full-time students
• people on full-time parental leave (understood as absence from work to bring up a child of a young age for a period which does not fall under the classification of maternity or paternity leave) should be considered as ‘inactive’, unless already registered as ‘unemployed’.

Self-employed individuals are not considered inactive.

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

Evidence should be provided by the participant to demonstrate that they have been inactive (in this case, a signed registration form is acceptable).

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the Operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the Registration Form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

(If the individual is in receipt of benefits, they may wish to provide the following also:

Award letter detailing benefits / print out from online Universal Credit system/copy of individual’s bank statement showing benefits payment)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (e.g. Housing Association, Local Authority Service, etc.)

Employed (including self-employed) **

Individuals (aged 15 and over) who receive pay from an employer or are self-employed, including:

• helping family members (this is considered self-employment)
• individuals on maternity or paternity leave
• individuals in subsidised employment

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

Employed:

Confirmation of employment i.e. letter of employment, wage slip; contract of employment, letter detailing Working Tax Credits etc.

Self-employed:

Confirmation of self-employment e.g. HMRC letter evidencing registration

or

Bank statement for business account

or

Registration with Companies House

Inactive, not in education or training **

Individuals classed as ‘inactive’ (see above) who are not in education or training.

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

See above (under ‘Economically Inactive’).

Long-term Unemployed **

As per Unemployed, individuals who are registered as unemployed and in receipt of:

• Jobseekers Allowance

or

• Employment Support Allowance (Work related Activity Group)

But for more than:

• 6 months continuous unemployment (under 25 i.e. up to the age of 24)

or

• 12 months continuous unemployment (over 25 i.e. 25 years or more)

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

Please note that Lead Partners are only required to physically evidence the length of unemployment where ‘long term unemployed’ is being used as one of the main barriers to employment. Lead Partner must be able to evidence that the individual is ‘Unemployed (see definition below).

Award letter/print-out from online Universal Credit system detailing Jobseekers Allowance/ESA (Work Group)

or

Copy of the individual’s bank statement showing benefit payments

or

ES40 (Job Seekers Card) or 'My Work Plan' demonstrating current status

or

Local Authority Account Information, e.g. Citizens Account, where data has been supplied or verified by DWP

Please note that the evidence must demonstrate that the Participant has been continuously unemployed for the requisite period of unemployment (dependent on age).

Where a participant’s benefit claim has recently changed (e.g. from JSA to ESA (WRAG) or JSA to UC) – the evidence must be able to demonstrate that, as a combination of claims, the participant have been continuously unemployed for the requisite period of unemployment (dependent on age).

Unemployed **

“Persons usually without work, available for work and actively seeking work.  Persons considered as registered unemployed according to national definitions are always included here even if they do not fulfil all three of these criteria”.

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

Individuals in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, irrespective of the length of unemployment

or

Individuals in the Employment Support Allowance Work related Activity Group

Award letter/print-out from online Universal Credit system,  detailing Jobseekers Allowance/ESA (Work Group)

or

Copy of the individual’s bank statement showing benefit payments (where the employment status can be clearly demonstrated from the description on the bank statement)

or

ES40 (Job Seekers Card) or 'My Work Plan’ demonstrating current status

or

Local Authority Account Information, e.g. Citizens Account, where data has been supplied or verified by DWP

Barrier

Definition

Evidence required

Above 54 years of age **

Individuals must be 55 years and above - the age of the participant is calculated from the date of birth and determined on the date of entering the ESF operation.

Official documentation showing date of birth such as birth certificate, driving licence, passport, etc.

Armed Forces Veteran  ***

Former member of the UK Armed Forces

Discharge papers

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances. (DWP, Local Authority Service, third sector veterans support services etc.)

Asylum seeker ***

An individual who ‘has applied for asylum and is waiting for a decision as to whether or not they are a refugee.’

An asylum seeker is someone who has asked a Government for refugee status and is waiting to hear the outcome of their application.

More information on refugees is available on the Scottish Government website.

Copy of individual’s Application Registration Card (ARC)

At risk of becoming NEET ***

The Scottish Government defines NEET as  individuals between the ages of 16 and 19 who are not in employment, education or training.

The main focus of the pipeline is to assist individuals with multiple barriers to employment (and who are the furthest away from the labour market) to progress into or through employment - Lead Partners can therefore work with individuals who are ‘working age’ or around 6 months prior to the individual reaching ‘working age’.

For the purposes of ESF, the ‘working age’ is the same as ‘the minimum school leaving age’ – since this is generally the earliest point that an individual can leave full-time education. 

Where someone is in full-time education, they should be recorded as ‘Economically Inactive’, regardless of whether they have a part-time job.

Evidence should be provided by the participant to demonstrate that they have been inactive (in this case, a signed registration form is acceptable).

Criminal convictions ***

This relates to any individual who has a criminal conviction that:

• is not ‘spent’
• is exempt from becoming ‘spent’
• remains a barrier to progressing within the labour market e.g. gaps in CV

Supplementary Information:

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA) states that anyone who has been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to less than two and a half years in prison can be regarded as rehabilitated after a specified period with no further convictions. After the specified period the original conviction is considered to be spent. The specified period varies between 6 months and 10 years depending on the length of sentence. Convictions involving sentences of over 2.5 years are never spent.

However, some types of jobs are exempt from this Act – this means that individuals have to disclose spent convictions as well as unspent ones. These jobs include:

• working with children and vulnerable adults, such as elderly and disabled people
• senior roles in banking and the financial services industry
• certain posts connected to law enforcement, including the judiciary and the police
• work involving national security
• certain posts in the prison service
• certain professions in areas such as health, pharmacy and the law
• private security work

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the Registration Form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances. (DWP, Local Authority service, Criminal Justice, specialist agencies etc.)

Disability **

"Participants with disabilities" are persons who are registered disabled according to national definitions.

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance:  Annex C1)

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example, a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

(If the individual is in receipt of benefits, they may wish to provide the following also:

Award letter detailing benefits e.g. Disability Living Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment etc., copy of individual’s bank statement showing benefits payment.)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances. (DWP, Local Authority Service, Specialist 3rd Sector Agency, etc.)

From Employment Deprived Areas ***

Residing in SIMD 15% most employment deprived geographies.

The SIMD Postcode Checker provides details of the 2020 SIMD index and shows the top 15% of Employment deprived areas. and has been updated since the 2016 checker. When using any dataset it should be the one which is live at the time of registering a participant that is utilised.

Only one geographical barrier can be claimed for any participant. Meeting the definitions for 2 or more only count as one barrier.

A screenshot of the participant's postcode entered into the 2020 From Employment Deprived Areas demonstrating eligibility is acceptable. This must match the postcode recorded on the participant's registration form.

From Remote Rural Areas **

Living in an area defined as “remote rural” or “very remote rural” in the Scottish Government 8 Fold Urban Rural Classification (as per the ‘Rural Area Rating’ column on ESF Scottish Local Authority Rural Area Postcodes list).

Urban Rural Classification information is available.

Only one geographical barrier can be claimed for any participant. Meeting the definitions for 2 or more only count as one barrier.

A screenshot showing the participants postcode on the “From Remote Rural Areas” postcode list should be provided. This must match the postcode recorded on the participant's registration form.

From Rural Areas **

"From rural areas" is to be understood as persons residing in thinly populated areas according to the Degree of urbanisation (DEGURBA category 3) classification. Thinly-populated areas means that more than 50 % of the population lives in rural grid cells.

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex D)

Only one geographical barrier can be claimed for any participant. Meeting the definitions for 2 or more only count as one barrier.  Please use this classification when eligible and only use Remote Rural Areas for any other areas (as per the ESF Scottish Local Authority Rural Area Postcodes list).

A screenshot showing the participant's postcode on the “From Rural Areas” postcode list should be provided. This must match the postcode recorded on the participant's registration form.

Homeless or affected by housing exclusion **

In the absence of a national definition for "homeless or affected by housing exclusion" the term should be understood according to the ETHOS (European Typology of Homelessness and Housing Exclusion) definition which is derived from the physical, social and legal interpretation of what a ‘home’ means. It classifies the following four living circumstances as homelessness or extreme forms of housing exclusion:

• rooflessness (people living rough and people in emergency accommodation)
• houselessness (people in accommodation for the homeless, in women's shelters, in accommodation for immigrants, people due to be released from institutions and people receiving long-term support due to homelessness)
• insecure accommodation (people living in insecure tenancies, under threat of eviction or violence)
• inadequate housing (living in unfit housing, nonconventional dwellings e.g. in caravans without adequate access to public utilities such as water, electricity or gas or in situations of extreme overcrowding)

Adults living with their parents should not be registered under this indicator unless they are all homeless or living in insecure or in inadequate housing.

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

The definition of homeless can also include ‘sofa surfing’ - the practice of staying temporarily with various friends and relatives while attempting to find permanent accommodation.

Confirmation from Local Authority Housing service

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (Housing Association, Local Authority Service, etc.)

or

A signed registration form is acceptable

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example, a description of the participant's circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Living in a jobless household

“Households where no member is in employment i.e. all members are either unemployed or inactive”

“ A household is defined as a housekeeping unit or, operationally as a social unit:

• having common arrangements
• sharing household expenses or daily needs
• is a shared common residence

A household includes either one person living alone or a group of people, not necessarily related, living at the same address with common housekeeping i.e. sharing at least one meal per day or sharing a living or sitting room.”

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

Only one jobless household barrier can be claimed for any participant. Meeting the definitions for 2 or more only counts as one barrier.

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (Housing Association, Local Authority Service, etc.)

or

A signed registration form is acceptable

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example, a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Living in a single adult household with dependent children

“An ‘adult’ is a person above 18 years of age”

“Household” is defined above.

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example, a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

(If the individual is in receipt of benefits, they may wish to provide the following:

Award letter detailing benefits e.g. Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, copy of individual’s bank statement showing benefits payment)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (Housing Association, Local Authority Service, etc.).

Long-term physical illness/condition **

As the definition of the indicator in Annex C of the Commission guidance specifically refers to “registered disabled” it is recommended that persons considered to be disabled but who are not registered are counted as “Long-term physical illness/condition’ and not as “Participants with disabilities”.

“In this respect, it may be helpful to note the definition of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which considers disabled people to be those with “long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.””

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex D)

The Equality Act (2010) states that ‘long-term’ is defined as a period of 12 months or more.

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example, a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

(If the individual is in receipt of benefits, they may wish to provide the following:

Award letter detailing benefits e.g. Disability Living Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment etc, copy of individual’s bank statement showing benefits payment).

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, NHS, specialist services, etc.).

Long-term Unemployed **

See above (under ‘Employment Status’)

See above (under ‘Employment Status’)

Looked after young person ***

Under the provisions of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, 'Looked After Children' are defined as those in the care of their local authority. The majority will come into one of these categories:

• looked after at home
• looked after away from home

This definition also includes young people leaving care up to and including the age of 25 (as per the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014).

Confirmation from Local Authority

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, specialist services such as Barnardos, Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum, etc.).

Low income employed ***

“Income below 60% of the national median equivalised disposable income after social transfers. “

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance:  Annex D)

The Scottish Government Analytical Services Division uses the following methodology:

Total household income (after taxes, benefits and earnings of all household members) is equivalised to take account of household size e.g. a household with two adults and three children would need greater resources than a single adult The poverty threshold is 60% of the UK median – a ‘reference household’ is a couple with no children.

Based on the 2015/2018 figures – the current poverty threshold is £302 a week (or £15,800 a year) for a couple (with no children),

Please note that, in certain circumstances, there may be justification for using a higher threshold amount as a result of differences in the local economy e.g. the cost of living may be higher in some areas.

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate e.g. copy of household income assessment by money adviser. Please note that it is not necessary to provide additional evidence of household income.

(If the individual is in receipt of benefits, they may wish to provide the following also:

Award letter detailing In-work benefits i.e. Working Tax Credits, Income Support (if less than 16 hours a week), Child Benefit, Housing Benefit).

or

Copy of the individual’s bank statement showing benefit payments

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, specialist services, etc.).

Low skilled ***

Individual’s highest level of qualification is at ISCED Level 2 or below, or instances where the participant has minimal qualifications at level 3 and their skills level can be deemed a barrier to employment e.g. poor literacy and/or numeracy skills.

A table comparing the Commission ISCED levels to Scottish Qualification levels is available earlier in this guidance.

Evidence should be provided by the participant to confirm whether they are low skilled – see ‘Qualification’ table within ‘Eligibility – Evidence’ section for further guidance (where ‘low skilled’ is not being used as one of the two barriers that are required to be evidenced, a signed registration form is acceptable).

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Material Deprivation ***

“Material deprivation refers to the situation of people who cannot afford a number of necessities considered essential to live a decent life in Europe. Individuals are considered to be under material deprivation if living in households who lack at least three of the following nine items because they cannot afford them:

1. to face unexpected expenses

2. one week annual holiday away from home

3. to pay for arrears (mortgage or rent, utility bills or hire purchase instalments)

4. a meal with meat, chicken or fish every second day

5. to keep home adequately warm

6. to have a washing machine

7. to have a colour TV

8. to have a telephone

9. to have a personal car

(see Income and living standards in Europe).” 

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex D)

Evidence should be provided by the participant to confirm whether they consider themselves to meet the criteria defined in Section D (in this case, a signed registration form is acceptable).

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example, a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Mental health issues ***

Mental Health issues affect the way an individual thinks, feels and behaves, often has an impact on their day-to-day life and their ability to relate to others.

The following list is indicative, but not inclusive, of the range of mental health issues that may be experienced:

• depression
• anxiety
• phobias
• eating disorders
• personality disorders

More information is available on Mind's website.

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, NHS, specialist services, etc.).

Migrants, people with a foreign background, minorities (including

marginalised communities such as the Roma) **

Migrants:

Non-national permanent residents in a country, people with a foreign background or nationals from a minority (according to national definitions).  (European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance:  Annex C1)

Minorities:

“There is no single definition of a minority group. In general, when linked with disadvantage, the term minority can be taken to refer to any group with personal characteristics that are subject to discrimination, which range from ethnicity or religious belief to sexual preference. The precise definitions adopted for ESF monitoring will, therefore, depend on national definitions.  In relation to ethnic minorities, which are likely to constitute the most widely recognised minority groups, the working definitions of previous ESF evaluations may be used:

Ethnic minority – individuals with a different cultural tradition or background from the majority of the population.

National minority – individuals from relatively well-established minority groups living in particular EU countries. National minorities have been established for a number of generations in some EU countries, such as Russians and Poles in the Baltic States, and the Hungarian minority in Romania.

Indigenous minorities - ethnic groups that are long-standing residents of a particular EU country. They may have a migrant, indigenous or landless nomadic background.

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex D)

Foreign background:

“Similarly, in the absence of a national definition for "people with a foreign background" the term should be understood according to the following international recommendation (UNECE in cooperation with Eurostat): persons with a foreign background are "… persons whose parents were born outside the country. The persons in this group may or may not have directly experienced an international migration"”

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex D)

Migrants/Foreign Background:

Copy of passport/visa/work permit to confirm nationality and that the individual has the right to legally reside (and, if relevant to the operation, work) in the UK.

Personal characteristics that are subject to discrimination:

A signed registration form is acceptable

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example, a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

No or Limited work experience ***

Individuals who have no, or limited, experience of paid employment.

This can include individuals who have a notable gap(s) within their work history e.g. due to being inactive from the labour market because of family/caring responsibilities, periods of ill health etc.

In addition, this can include individuals who have worked for very limited periods of time e.g. Christmas cover.

Evidence should be provided by the participant to confirm whether they have work experience

(in this case, a signed registration form is acceptable).

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, SDS, specialist services, etc.)

Primary carer of a child/children (under 18) or adult ***

Primary carer of a child/children (under 18) or adult.

Evidence should be provided by the participant to demonstrate that they are the primary carer of a child/children (under 18) or an adult.

(in this case, a signed registration form is acceptable)

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

(If the individual is in receipt of benefits, they may wish to provide the following also:

Award letter detailing benefits e.g. Carers Credit, Carers Allowance, copy of the individual’s bank statement showing benefit payments.).

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, specialist services, etc.).

Primary carer of older person ***

Primary carer for a person over the age of 65 (this is the threshold used to qualify for Attendance Allowance).

Evidence should be provided by the participant to demonstrate that they are the primary carer of an older person.

(in this case, a signed registration form is acceptable)

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example, a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

(If the individual is in receipt of benefits, they may wish to provide the following also:

Award letter detailing benefits e.g. Carers Credit, Carers Allowance, copy of the individual’s bank statement showing benefit payments.).

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, specialist services such as Carers UK, etc.).

Refugee ***

An individual who 'owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country'

(Article 1, 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees)

A refugee is entitled to the same social and economic rights as any UK citizen. Refugees have full access to medical treatment, education, housing and employment.

More information is available on relevant Scottish Government webpages.

Proof of Refugee Status, Humanitarian Protection, Discretionary Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, including:

• a Home Office letter confirming status and permission to work
• a Home Office Certificate of Identity
• a benefits notification letter
• an Immigration Status Document.

More information is available at the Scottish Refugee Council's website.

Substance related conditions ***

The continued misuse of substances (typically alcohol or drugs) that severely affects an individual’s physical and mental health, social situation and responsibilities.

This can include individuals in recovery where this remains a barrier to progressing within the labour market.

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, NHS, specialist services, etc.).

Underemployed ***

This barrier relates to ‘employed’ participants only.

An employment situation that is insufficient in some important way for the worker

Examples include

• holding a part-time job despite desiring full-time work
• skills underutilisation - where the employee has education, experience, or skills beyond the requirements of the job

Evidence should be provided by the participant to demonstrate that they are underemployed.

(in this case, a signed registration form is acceptable)

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

or

For Universal Credit claimants copy of 'My Work Plan' or other DWP document demonstrating requirement to increase working hours

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, specialist services, etc.).

Households where the youngest dependent is aged <1 ***

A participant who resides in a household which includes a dependent under 1 year of age.

“Dependent children refers to individuals aged 0-17 years and 18-24 years if inactive and living with at least one parent.”

Please note the participant may not necessarily be the primary carer.

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (e.g. Housing Association, Local Authority Service, DWP, Specialist 3rd Sector Agency, etc.)

or

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Please refer to question 20 of the ESF FAQ on page 25 on the importance of the project worker assessment which links the participants needs & barriers with the activity being proposed.

or

Where the individual is in receipt of benefits they may wish to provide the following: Award letter detailing benefits eg, child benefit, housing benefit, council tax reduction, copy of individuals bank statement showing benefits payment.

Households with 3> Dependents ***

A participant who resides in a household where there are 3 dependents or more.

“Dependent children refers to individuals aged 0-17 years and 18-24 years if inactive and living with at least one parent.”

Please note the participant may not necessarily be the primary carer.

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (e.g. Housing Association, Local Authority Service, DWP, Specialist 3rd Sector Agency, etc.)

or

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Please refer to question 20 of the ESF FAQ on page 25 on the importance of the project worker assessment which links the participants needs & barriers with the activity being proposed

or

Where the individual is in receipt of benefits they may wish to provide the following: Award letter detailing benefits eg, child benefit, housing benefit, council tax reduction, copy of individuals bank statement showing benefits payment.

Employment Status affected by Covid-19 ***

A participant who has at least one additional barrier and their employment status has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic including:

• redundancy
• leaving employment due to health reasons in relation to Covid-19
• under employed because of Covid-19 (under-employed because of Covid-19 and under-employed are distinct barriers and only one should be used. Under-employed because of Covid-19 is a situation where a person has been made redundant due to Covid-19 and any new employment situation is insufficient for the worker eg, working reduced hours or working in a lower skilled job.)
• unable to enter education and training due to Covid-19
• self-employed participants who are not working or are working reduced hours as a result of Covid-19

Redundancy:

Letter from employer notifying redundancy

and

Evidence should be retained to demonstrate that a Project Key Worker has assessed the participants circumstances prior to Covid-19 and can confirm that they are have been made redundant due to the impact of Covid-19.

Please refer to question 20 of the ESF FAQ on page 25 on the importance of the project worker assessment which links the participants needs & barriers with the activity being proposed

or

Signed Registration form is acceptable.

Evidence should be retained to demonstrate that a Project Key Worker has assessed the participants circumstances prior to Covid-19 and can confirm that they have been made redundant due to the impact of Covid-19

Please refer to question 20 of the ESF FAQ on page 25 on the importance of the project worker assessment which links the participants needs & barriers with the activity being proposed

Leaving employment due to ill health:

Letter to employer giving notice period which cites health reasons in relation to Covid-19.

or

A signed registration form is acceptable

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Please refer to question 20 of the ESF FAQ on page 25 on the importance of the project worker assessment which links the participants needs & barriers with the activity being proposed.

Underemployed because of Covid-19:

For Universal Credit claimants copy of 'My Work Plan' or other DWP document demonstrating requirement to increase working hours

and

Evidence should be retained to demonstrate that a Project Key Worker has assessed the participants circumstances prior to Covid-19 and can confirm that they are under-employed due to the impact of Covid-19

Please refer to question 20 of the ESF FAQ on page 25 on the importance of the project worker assessment which links the participants needs & barriers with the activity being proposed

or

Written confirmation from an employer or a payslip demonstrating receipt of the Corona-Virus Job Retention Scheme (Flexible Furloughed) or any replacement/future/additional schemes

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (DWP, Local Authority service, specialist services etc.) 

or

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances prior to Covid-19 that identifies which of the give definitions is applicable as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Unable to enter education and training due to Covid-19:

A signed registration form is acceptable

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Please refer to question 20 of the ESF FAQ on page 25 on the importance of the project worker assessment which links the participants needs & barriers with the activity being proposed

or

Letter/email from college or training provider explaining that they cannot accommodate further education or training due to Covid-19.

Self Employed participants who are not working or are working reduced hours as a result of Covid-19:

Self-employed confirmation of self-employment e.g. HMRC letter evidencing registration or Bank statement for business account or Registration with Companies House

and

Evidence should be retained to demonstrate that a Project Key Worker has assessed the participants circumstances prior to Covid-19 and can confirm that the impact of Covid-19 has resulted in them working reduced hours or not working at all.

or

A signed registration form is acceptable

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances prior to Covid-19 that identifies which of the give definitions is applicable as part of a more detailed assessment.)

Please refer to question 20 of the ESF FAQ on page 25 on the importance of the project worker assessment which links the participants needs & barriers with the activity being proposed

Young People Aged <25 impacted by Covid-19 ***

Individuals must be aged 24 years and below. The age of the participant is calculated from the date of birth and determined on the date of entering the ESF operation.

Official documentation showing date of birth:

• birth certificate
• driving licence (full or provisional)
• passport (UK or other EU Member State) – must be valid and unexpired
• National Insurance number e.g. NI Card, correspondence from HMRC/DWP/Jobcentre Plus/Pension Service, contract of employment, wage slip
• National Identity Card (EU)
• evidence that in receipt of age related state benefits
• proof of age cards that include PASS hologram or have been issued by a government agency/statutory body e.g. Young Scot Card, Citizen Card
• European Health Insurance Card
• NHS Correspondence (where age is stipulated)

and

Evidence should be retained to demonstrate that a Project Key Worker has assessed the participants circumstances and can confirm that Covid-19 has impacted on their life.

Target group

Definition

Evidence required

Workless Household **

All individuals living within the household must be either unemployed or inactive (please refer to the ‘employment status’ table above for further definitions).

Please note that for the purposes on reporting on EUMIS, either ‘Living in a Jobless Household’ or ‘Living in a jobless household with dependent children’ should be selected.

Evidence should be provided by the participant to demonstrate that they are living in a jobless household.

(in this case, a signed registration form is acceptable)

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (Housing Association, Local Authority Service, etc.).

Low Income Household ***

It should be noted that under Social Inclusion & Poverty interventions, this target group includes Workless Households.

As described earlier in the ‘definitions’ section, ‘low income’ is defined as:

“Income below 60% of the national median equivalised disposable income after social transfers. “

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex D)

The Scottish Government Analytical Services Division uses the following methodology:

Total household income (after taxes, benefits and earnings of all household members) is equivalised to take account of household size e.g. a household with two adults and three children would need greater resources than a single adult The poverty threshold is 60% of the UK median – a ‘reference household’ is a couple with no children.

Based on the 2015/2018 figures – the current poverty threshold is £302 a week (or £15,800 a year) for a couple (with no children).

In certain circumstances, there may be justification for using a higher threshold amount as a result of differences in the local economy e.g. the cost of living may be higher in some areas.

In addition, participants who are considered to be experiencing ‘Material deprivation’ can be considered as being within the ‘Low Income’ target group. 

As described earlier in the ‘definitions’ section: 

“Material deprivation refers to the situation of people who cannot afford a number of necessities considered essential to live a decent life in Europe. Individuals are considered to be under material deprivation if living in households who lack at least three of the following nine items because they cannot afford them:

1. to face unexpected expenses

2. one week annual holiday away from home

3. to pay for arrears (mortgage or rent, utility bills or hire purchase instalments)

4. a meal with meat, chicken or fish every second day

5. to keep home adequately warm

6. to have a washing machine

7. to have a colour TV

8. to have a telephone

9. to have a personal car

(see Income and living standards in Europe).” 

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex D)

Please note that for the purposes on reporting on EUMIS, ‘Low Income (social inclusion and poverty)’ should be selected.

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate e.g. copy of household income assessment by a money adviser. Please note that it is not necessary to provide additional evidence of household income.

Lone Parent Household ***

“An ‘adult’ is a person above 18 years of age”

“Dependent children refers to individuals aged 0-17 years and 18-24 years if inactive and living with at least one parent.”

(European Commission Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance: Annex C1)

Please note that for the purposes on reporting on EUMIS, ‘Living in a single adult household with dependent children’ should be selected.

A signed registration form is acceptable.

In addition, evidence should be retained to demonstrate that the operation (e.g. a Project Key Worker) has assessed whether the information provided in the registration form is accurate. (For example a description of the participants circumstances as part of a more detailed assessment.)

(If the individual is in receipt of benefits, they may wish to provide the following:

Award letter detailing benefits e.g. Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction)

or

Referral from recognised agency/service who can reasonably be considered to have an accurate knowledge of the participant’s circumstances (Housing Association, Local Authority Service, etc.).