The Equal ProgrammeThe EQUAL Community Initiative tests and promotes new ways of combating all forms of discrimination and inequalities faced by those groups most disadvantaged in the labour market. These groups include women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, older worker, refugees, ex-offenders, drug and alcohol misusers. EQUAL also supports the social and vocational integration of asylum seekers/refugees. Equal funds activities carried out by strategic partnerships called Development Partnerships. Development Partnerships bring together geographical and sectoral representatives who define and agree a strategy and workplan for tackling inequality and discrimination in the labour market within a chosen Theme. The financial allocation available for EQUAL in Scotland (2000 - 2006) was €34.313 - approximately £23.5 million. European Social Fund intervention is at a rate of 50 per cent. All funds have now been allocated and there will be no further calls for application. The 1st Round of the Programme was delivered from November 2001 to May 2005 and approximately ££9m was allocated and spent during that time. The 2nd Round it began in September 2005 and is now closing down with all projects having completed their activities. £14.5m has been allocated to the parterships undertaking activities in the 2nd and final Round of the Programme. For more informationabout both 1st and 2nd Round go to |