A new one-off grant to help young people with the costs of starting work will be introduced as soon as possible, Scotland’s Social Security Secretary has said.

Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish Government is considering who will be eligible for the Job Grant of up to £400, and how it should be paid.

Ministers are proposing those aged between 16 and 24 can get a one-off payment of £250 if they have been out of work for six months or more when they get a job.

The grant, which would increase to £400 for those with children, could help with transport costs, buying work clothes and other expenses.

Ministers believe the benefit will complement existing schemes aimed at helping young people into employment.

Ms Somerville said: “The transition into work for young people who have been unemployed can be a difficult one.

“Getting to and from their place of work and having appropriate clothing can be costly, especially if you’ve been managing on the low income provided by out-of-work benefits and don’t have savings to fall back on.

“The Job Grant aims to help with those costs and make their first few weeks in employment easier. Keeping young people in work is key to keeping them healthy, both physically and mentally.

“We want to introduce the Job Grant as swiftly as we can so are consulting now to get views on the proposed eligibility criteria and the format of the proposed payment.

“Our aim is to deliver a benefit that meets the needs of young people entering work and I urge anyone who shares that desire to take part in the consultation.”

Ms Somerville launched the consultation as she visited employment provider StartScotland in Edinburgh.

General manager Nick Young said: “We know that re-entering the workplace, or even finding employment for the first time, can be a tricky time for people. So anything that supports people as they make the transition can only be a good thing.”