A new service which provides advice on employment issues to low-income households and people impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic has been launched.

Fair Work Renfrewshire will support people with matters such as redundancy, dismissal and the end of furlough, as well as their entitlement to benefits.

The two-year project is being run by Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and funded by Renfrewshire Council.

Anyone who uses the service can also get help with issues such as debt and can be referred to partners for support on matters not related to employment.

Gavin Lovesey, service development manager at Renfrewshire CAB, told The Gazette: “At a time when we know employers face difficult decisions, it is vital that employees and workers have access to free, confidential and impartial advice.

“Our team is looking forward to helping people understand their rights and what options are available to them. If you think you have been treated unfairly in your workplace or have any other work-related concerns, please get in touch.”

Renfrewshire CAB received £100,000 from the council’s 2021/22 budget to fund the project.

This was part of the council’s Social Renewal Plan, which sets out the work it will do with partners to tackle poverty and support local communities in the wake of the pandemic.

Councillors approved £665,000 for the next stage of the plan in June, with this money being used to fund projects which will help those who are struggling with rising fuel costs, improve access to benefits and affordable credit and tackle food insecurity.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “The pandemic has been particularly tough for people who are on low incomes and facing job uncertainty – and the end of furlough will make things tougher for some households.

“Fair Work Renfrewshire will help support people during these tough times, giving them access to the advice they need on employment issues.

“The service is being funded by our Social Renewal Plan which continues to provide support for projects that help our communities and tackle the issues they are facing as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.”

For more details of the support available through Fair Work Renfrewshire, contact the Renfrewshire CAB team on 0141 889 2121 or go online at www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk.