The Scottish Government announced on 5 October that more than 250 paid NHS placements would be made available across 18 health boards. Roles include hospital support, catering, healthcare support, administration and assistant technical work; placements typically last between six and 18 months. The programme targets parents facing the greatest risk of poverty as part of wider efforts to address child poverty.

The announcement cited an earlier NHS Lanarkshire demonstrator that supported 136 parents and people experiencing long-term unemployment, with more than 77% moving into a positive destination. The most recent programme reached almost 88%. Those past outcomes do not guarantee an employment result for participants in the new Scotland-wide placements.