Making Work Work, 7 Montgomery Street Lane, Edinburgh (2026)

10/09/2026

Today, Scotland marks the first ever national Employability Day, bringing organisations, employers and employability partners together to showcase the support available to people looking for work.

We’re proud to support the initiative and its theme, ‘Changing Lives Together’.

Because helping people move forward isn’t something any one organisation can do alone.

Through our work with women returners and social entrepreneurs, we see every day the difference that the right support, connections and opportunities can make.

For a woman returning to work after a career break, it might be the confidence to recognise the value of the skills she already has. For an aspiring social entrepreneur, it might be the encouragement and practical support to turn an idea into a sustainable livelihood.

And sometimes, it’s simply having someone say: “You can do this. Let’s work out how.”

That’s why initiatives like Scottish Employability Day matter. They shine a light on the breadth of support available across Scotland and, importantly, encourage people who may not yet be connected to employability services to find out what’s out there.

There are skills sessions, CV workshops, employer insight events, jobs and careers fairs and much more happening around the country. Find out what’s happening as part of Scottish Employability Day 2026 and discover the support available near you: https://www.employabilityinscotland.com/news-events/events/

08/09/2026

Still thinking about making a change in 2026? There’s time.

Maybe you’re ready to get back into work after a career break. Maybe you’ve got an idea for a social enterprise that just won’t go away. Or maybe you simply know you want something different, but aren’t sure what the next step looks like.

We can help.

Making Work Work – for Edinburgh Women

A free, award-winning programme to help women on a career break rebuild confidence, refresh skills and find work that fits their lives.

Ready to RISE

A free programme for women across Scotland who want to explore social enterprise, turning an idea into sustainable income while making a difference in their community.

Two different routes. One shared goal: helping you move forward. Spaces are available for both programmes on our next cohorts starting in October.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be ready to take the first step.

Why not make 2026 the year you make your move? Get all the info and apply at makingworkwork.scot

04/09/2026

You've probably heard of the gender pay gap, but what about the gender pension gap?

The latest DWP data shows women retiring today receive significantly less private pension income than men. A typical woman receives just over £100 a week, compared with £200 for a typical man, and 3 in 5 women aged 65+ have no private pension wealth.

Earlier this week, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) designated 2nd September as , highlighting the point in the year when, compared with men, women have effectively "run out" of pension income.

This isn't about poor financial choices. It's the result of systemic inequalities, including:

• Unpaid caring responsibilities
• Lower earnings and interrupted careers
• Expensive childcare
• A lack of flexible, secure work
• A pension system built around linear careers

While we need systemic change, there are steps you can take now:

• Find and consolidate old pensions
• Maximise employer contributions where possible
• Plan for retirement as a household
• Talk openly about money and seek advice

Retirement shouldn't depend on your gender. This , let's push for a fairer system while taking action to secure our own financial futures.

03/09/2026

Today’s training session focused on the topic of flexible working, where we talked through the different types of flex available, how to find employers who offer it and how to negotiate a working pattern that works around each individual’s life and commitments.

On Making Work Work, we understand the importance of flexible working to remove barriers to work. Flexibility is a gendered issue: women, especially mothers, still shoulder the majority of care and domestic responsibilities, meaning flexible work helps them access work which works around those responsibilities.

But flexible working is also key to a diverse workforce. A lack of flexible work options forces too many women out of the workforce entirely. We must create clear pathways for their return and progression.

A recent MWW Alumni told us: “I was always worried about being able to work around school and nursery times, but my new employer is really flexible. Taking part in MWW helped me to advocate for the working hours that suit my needs.”

And flexible working doesn't just benefit parents. It's essential for carers, people with disabilities, part-time students, and older workers. The more inclusive our workplaces become, the greater the gains in talent, retention, and well-being.

When flexibility is the norm, rather than the exception, people and workplaces thrive.

01/09/2026

Tomorrow will be the first session of our brand-new cohort of Ready to Rise, and we can’t wait to welcome the amazing women who have signed up to join the programme. Over the coming weeks, we will work with them to build their confidence, learn about social enterprise and figure out their next steps.

If you have ever wondered whether starting a social enterprise is for you, this could be your chance to find out more. Further cohorts are running in October and January, along with some exciting online and in-person events, where you can hear from inspiring women who've turned their ideas into sustainable livelihoods and find out how the programme can support your first steps into social entrepreneurship.

Find out more, register for the sessions and apply to join the programme at

makingworkwork.scot/rise

27/08/2026

Today, members of the MWW team were proud to stand in our home cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to join parents across the country for the first-ever Parent Strike.

This morning, parents took two hours off work and joined family-friendly demonstrations in cities across the UK to make one thing clear: parents need better support from the world of work.

That means decent, properly paid paternity leave, but it also means genuine flexible working rights that recognise the realities of family life.

Because when parental leave and workplace flexibility fall short, it’s often mums who end up absorbing the unpaid care burden, stepping back from their careers or taking jobs below their skills and ambitions.

It was brilliant to be there and see parents coming together to make their voices heard. This is a conversation that needs to keep going.

25/08/2026

Today we were thrilled to welcome our latest Edinburgh cohort of women to the programme, and what an amazing group of women they are!

Between them, they bring a wealth of skills, experience and resilience – not least the ability to balance work, learning and caregiving. That strength is already theirs. As the programme unfolds, we look forward to seeing them support one another, learn together and grow in confidence. This isn’t about changing who they are, but reconnecting with their strengths, recognising their value and raising their expectations of good employers.

Over the coming weeks, they’ll explore what their ideal working life looks like and how to create a (work)life blend that supports a meaningful, fulfilling life for themselves and their families. The first week may feel daunting, but progress will come at their own pace, with our support and resources alongside them.

They’re joining a community of over 400 women who have gone before them, helping to build the supportive, values-led network they’re now part of. There is still time to apply for our next cohort starting in October, find out more at makingworkwork.scot/edinburgh

20/08/2026

In June last year, people across the UK made history with the first-ever DadStrike. This year, it’s time for all parents to stand up and be heard.

On Thursday 27 August, parents across the UK will take two hours off work and join family-friendly demonstrations in 12 cities (and counting) as part of the first-ever Parent Strike.

The message is simple: parents need better support from the world of work.

That means decent, properly paid paternity leave, but it also means genuine flexible working rights that recognise the realities of family life.

Because when parental leave and workplace flexibility fall short, it’s often mums who end up absorbing the unpaid care burden, stepping back from their careers or taking jobs below their skills and ambitions.

And that’s not just a problem for families. It’s a problem for employers, too. When talented parents can’t make work work around their lives, everyone loses.

So on 27 August, parents will be making their voices heard.

Want to join the Parent Strike? Find your local event at parentstrike.org

18/08/2026

In just over a week, we will launch the next cohort of Making Work Work – for Edinburgh Women. There are a tiny number of spaces available if you act now!

If you are ready for a clear plan for your next step back into work? Making Work Work – for Edinburgh Women is our free, award-winning employability programme for women on a career break who are ready to rebuild confidence, refresh skills, and find work that fits their lives.

Free for women in Edinburgh who are on a career break, or have taken one in the past, cohort 1 starts on 25th August and there are only a few spaces remaining!

Don't miss your spot. Apply now at makingworkwork.scot/edinburgh and share with a woman in Edinburgh who's ready for her next chapter too.

14/08/2026

Ever thought about starting a social enterprise but didn't know where to start? This is your sign.

71% of social enterprises in Scotland are run or founded by women. Ready to RISE is here to help you become part of that story.

Join our free in-person or online panel and information sessions to hear from inspiring women who've turned their ideas into sustainable livelihoods and find out how the programme can support your first steps into social entrepreneurship; from building income, to working flexibly, to making a real difference in your community.

Register for the sessions and apply for the Ready to RISE programme at www.makingworkwork.scot/rise

Making Work Work

10/09/2026

08/09/2026

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

01/09/2026

27/08/2026

25/08/2026

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

14/08/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category

Listing takedown request