Skills matching service aims to help rural businesses during coronavirus crisis
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A new service is being launched to match rural businesses with potential employees and volunteers as coronavirus continues to take its toll.
The Skills Matching Service (SMS) will ensure that key businesses, such as farms, crofts and other organisations which need help are able to find workers with relevant skills and experience.
It has been set up by Lantra Scotland, a charity funded by the Scottish Government to increase the number and diversity of employees in the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation sector, and drive their skills development.
Cabinet secretary for rural economy Fergus Ewing said: “It’s vital the Scottish agriculture sector can continue to produce the food that our country needs. Equally, the industry and individuals must continue to meet our animal welfare obligations.
“This Skills Matching Service has the potential to enable everyone with livestock and multiple animals to get the labour support and help they need during the pandemic."
The Skills Matching Service has been developed with the support of a range of organisations including the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), the Scottish Crofting Federation, Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), the British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare, Zoological Society of Scotland, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh University, Glasgow University, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Scotland’s machinery rings.
The service will focus on providing skilled and semi-skilled paid and unpaid labour for livestock and animal welfare purposes to land-based businesses, animal welfare organisations, animal charities, zoos and others in need of help, while maintaining essential social distancing requirements.
Mr Ewing continued: “Our students and staff from colleges and universities; vets and vet nurses furloughed or made redundant, and individuals with relevant transferable skills and experience can play a critical role in offering support in the coming weeks and months.”
Director of Lantra Scotland Liz Barron-Majerik said: “This new service should make it easier for employers and potential employees with the right skills to get in touch with each other in these challenging times.
“We want to hear from individuals with skills and experience in areas such as agriculture, animal care and machine operation who are perhaps looking for work, a career change, or even those who are just happy to lend a hand, if needed.“
To join the skills matching service, visit www.scotland.lantra.co.uk/skills-matching-service.
Find out more by contacting Lantra Scotland on 01738 310164 or emailing SMS@lantra.co.uk
