Wednesday January 14th 2026
East Lothian Council headquarters
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
East Lothian businesses are being offered free guidance to boost recruitment and retain staff through fair and flexible work.
East Lothian Council and partners, as part of East Lothian Community Wealth Building, have launched a new series of free webinars to help local employers tackle skills shortages, strengthen retention and adopt fair, flexible working practices that benefit both businesses and staff.
The three online sessions, delivered in partnership with Flexible Working Scotland, aim give local businesses practical guidance on how fair and flexible work can improve productivity, widen access to talent and support grant and tender readiness, among other benefits.
Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said:
“Fair and flexible working is increasingly important for candidates and existing staff. It’s not just about whether you are working from home or in the office. These webinars will share tips and tools to help businesses of all types and sizes design working patterns that support staff wellbeing and improve productivity. Webinar attendees will learn how other elements, such as offering the Real Living Wage, can boost employee engagement, increase productivity and open access to grants and tender opportunities.”
The webinars will offer expert advice, tools and case studies on topics such as the Fair Work Framework, flexible job design, inclusive recruitment, predictable working patterns, and the business benefits of people-centred employment practices. Each session includes a local employer sharing real-world experiences and practical lessons learned.
Webinar dates:
– 29 January 10–11:30 – Small and Micro Employers (1-49 employees)
– 25 February 12–13:30 – Third Sector (charities etc)
– 10 March 10–11:30 – Medium and Large Employers (over 49 employees)
The webinars are open to any employer based in or operating within East Lothian, from micro- businesses and charities to large private-sector employers. Participation is free but places must be booked in advance.
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