Paid NHS placements help parents return to work in Lanarkshire

Mairead Doyle returned to work through an NHS Lanarkshire employment programme in 2024. She has since been promoted twice and now works as a management secretary.

Her experience features in a new Scottish Government update on paid placements for parents. It reports that Lanarkshire’s programme has supported 136 people, with more than 77% moving into work or other positive destinations.

The support goes beyond a wage. A recent NHS Lanarkshire recruitment notice offered a dedicated job coach, travel expenses and hours arranged around family commitments, with healthcare and administration placements available.

NHS Scotland’s careers guidance directs interested parents to their local employment service for help with practical barriers such as childcare.

The reported outcome combines several destinations; it does not mean 77% secured permanent NHS jobs. Placements are temporary, and the newly announced expansion across Scotland has yet to deliver its results.

For Mairead, however, the change is already tangible: a return to employment, growing responsibility and, she says, a positive impact on her family.

Sources

• Scottish Government
• NHS Lanarkshire recruitment notice
• NHS Scotland Careers