Smart Works Scotland

Nobody talks about the hidden cost of looking for work.

Not the emotional cost.

Not the financial one.

Women in our 2025 Unemployment Index told us they were cutting back on food, going without heating, and taking on debt just to keep applying for jobs. Travel to interviews. Childcare. Broadband for online assessments. Hours of unpaid work for presentations and tasks that lead nowhere.
This is the hidden tax of unemployment. And it falls hardest on the women who can least afford it.

63% of women told us the job search process left them less confident than when they started.

The system isn’t just failing women economically. It’s eroding confidence, one unanswered application at a time.

Click on our Support Us link in bio.

Step Up – So other women can step forward.

Step Up for Smart Works 2026 is a 10-day step challenge that turns everyday movement into real impact. Whether you walk, run or roll, every step helps fund confidence, clothing and coaching for women facing the greatest barriers to work.

From 1st to 10th May, take on a daily step goal and help transform lives: Walk, run or roll 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000 steps every day.

Take part solo or as part of a team

Raise £200 per person to support Smart Works’ vital services

Track your progress, climb the leaderboards and compete for the glory.

Click link in bio.
Every step helps fund confidence, clothing and coaching for women facing the greatest barriers to work. 68% of women who access support from Smart Works go on to secure employment

Step Up, so that women can step forward

Don’t miss our Spring Fashion sale this Saturday 25th April!

Every pound will help us deliver our free clothing and coaching services to unemployed women, empowering them to feel confident and succeed at interview.

✨ St John’s Hall, 35 Brighton Place, Portobello, EH15 1LT
✨ 11am-3pm

Purchase a £5 entry ticket via the link in our bio or pay for entry upon arrival.

Prices start from £5. Come grab yourself a bargain! 🩵

⭐ She got the job! ⭐

Well done to Ani who secured her new role as a server in Edinburgh!

Reflecting on her experience, Ani said “I enjoyed everything. I loved the people. They are very nice and friendly. Coming to the dressing part they helped me put together the perfect outfit for me. I really love it and everything that happened today.”

Well done from everyone at Smart Works Scotland! 🫶🏽