here's the info re. priority areas:
"The scheme is open to all disciplines. However during 2008 ESRC is specifically encouraging applications in a number of disciplines identified as having particular capacity building difficulties. These are Economics, Education, Management and Business Studies, Advanced Quantitative Methods, Social Work, and Socio-Legal Studies."
it's taken from this site:
http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/opportunities/earlycareer/postdocfellowships/index.aspx
and thanks zelda for mentioning your friend - so there is hope!
emily