A group of Care Experienced Consultants are calling on the Scottish Government to act on its commitment to a Minimum Income Guarantee by piloting a scheme for Care Leavers who take up Modern Apprenticeships.

On Thursday 27 February 2025, key decision-makers, care experienced young people and sector leaders gathered at the Scottish Parliament to discuss this groundbreaking proposal. This initiative, developed in partnership with Staf, Aberlour Children’s Charity and Care Experienced consultants aims to tackle the financial insecurity too many young Care Leavers face.

L-R Martin Canavan (Aberlour), Heather Coady (Staf), Jasmin Kasaya Pilling (Staf), Jeanette Miller, Jo Derrick, Russell Gunson (MIG Expert Group Chair)

Leaving care should be the start of independence, but for many young people, it means stepping into financial uncertainty with no safety net. Unlike their peers, young people moving on from care often have no family support, making it harder to afford basic essentials, stay in education or build a stable future. 

Care Experienced Consultant Jeanette Miller said:

“Young people told us this pilot isn’t just a project - it’s a promise that Care Leavers matter, that we deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. And as someone who’s been through it, I know it has the power to transform lives. A MIG means we wouldn’t have to choose between rent and food. It means we could actually focus on building our future, instead of just surviving. We call on the Scottish Government to act on its commitment to a MIG by piloting a targeted scheme for Care Leavers in Modern Apprenticeships. This is an opportunity to Keep The Promise and ensure no young person moving on from care is left behind.”

Research shows Care Leavers are: 

• 1.5 times more likely to face financial hardship than their peers.
• Earning 25% less on average than other young people.
• More likely to experience unstable housing, food insecurity and poor mental health due to financial stress.

The proposed MIG pilot aims to recognise the challenges faced by Care Leavers and ensure no young person leaving care falls below a basic income level. This would provide financial security, reduce barriers to work and education, and support long-term stability.

Jo Derrick, Chief Executive of Staf, said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to exploring a MIG and established an independent working group to consider how it could work. We believe a pilot scheme targeting Care Leavers in Modern Apprentices is a practical first step. 

Modern Apprenticeships offer a valuable route into skilled employment, but low wages and extra costs often force care experienced apprentices to drop out before completing their training.

A MIG pilot would top up apprenticeship wages to ensure financial stability, support essential costs, prevent dropouts by removing financial barriers to completion, and improve long-term career opportunities for Care Leavers.”

Paul O’Kane MSP said:

"Staf, Aberlour and Care Experienced Consultants have come together to produce a very important piece of work.

"I hope that today’s meeting at the Scottish Parliament helped to shed more light on the proposal and will ensure the Scottish Government gives it the consideration it is due."

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