The Scheme was first opened December 2025 to March 2026 and supported 37 employers in the recruitment of 120 displaced workers, leading to almost 20,000 additional hours of care. Following its success, Scottish Government has reopened applications today, Friday 31 July.
Both employers who’ve accessed the scheme before and first time applicants are invited to apply. Employers should access the scheme, not displaced workers.
Minimum requirements to apply for this funding are that employers must:
- hold a Sponsorship license
- be registered with the Care Inspectorate
- have an existing, legitimate vacancy that is suitable for displaced workers on a Health and Social Care Visa
Eligible employers can apply for funding to support the employment of up to three displaced workers in the first instance.
Scottish Government now invites Adult Social Care employers who are eligible, and wish to apply for targeted funding, to submit an expression of interest. Further information can be found at www.gov.scot/publications/adult-social-care-displaced-worker-scheme
Most scheme policies remain the same from the first round of funding, however Scottish Government have listened to feedback and can confirm the following changes:
- Once grant offers are made, the claim period will increase from 28 days to three months. This gives employers additional time to find suitable applicants, complete pre employment processes and apply for Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Relocation funding will be available to remote and rural locations only and will be raised to a £1000 cap per worker. You can check postcode rural/urban classification on the National Records of Scotland website.
- Grant offers will focus on funding to support displaced workers already living and working in Scotland. Funding to support relocate workers from England will only be considered if employers specific skills needs cannot be met by the pool of Displaced workers already in Scotland.
- Scottish Government will work with the Home Office to alert them of employers who are partaking in the scheme to assist with Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation turnaround.
Closing date for applications
If you're eligible, please submit an expression of interest as soon as possible. The closing date for applications is 21 August 2026. Should you require further support please contact ascdisplacedworker@gov.scot