Latest Press Releases
| MORAY WELCOME FOR EXTRA FUNDING AND DEDICATED MINISTER TO TACKLE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT |
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| Monday, 05 December 2011 00:00 |
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Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead & MP Angus Robertson have welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government will create a dedicated Minister with responsibility for tackling the problem of youth unemployment. Announced during a debate in the Scottish Parliament), the Scottish Government will also add an additional £30 million to its ongoing efforts to help young people into work, education, or apprenticeships.
Details of the Ministerial post and how the additional £30 million of funding will be allocated will be outlined by Ministers before Parliament breaks for the Christmas recess. Welcoming the announcement Richard Lochhead MSP said: “ The economic problems facing us and the UK Government’s failure to have a Plan B to tackle them is making it incredibly difficult for young people to find jobs. The SNP are committed to ensuring that our young people do not become a lost generation due to economic problems beyond their control. “ The Scottish Government has already made a major commitment on training and and record numbers of apprenticeships in order to support young people looking for work. “ With these unprecedented challenges facing young people it is essential that we have dedicated resources to ensure appropriate support is provided and that the issue maintains a high profile within Government. That is why we appointing a dedicated Minister is so important. Angus Robertson MP said: “ Nobody should go through school only to find themselves unable to work at the end of it, and face potential problems for the rest of their working life as a result. “ When appointed, the Minister will help to ensure that there is a joined up approach to tackling youth unemployment across the Scottish Government and that is the right way forward if we are to tackle this serious problem. “ The creation of this post will build upon the Scottish Government’s commitment to provide every 16-19 year old who needs it a learning or training position through our Opportunities for All scheme. The SNP’s Opposition Spokesperson on Economic Development in The Moray Council, Cllr Graham Leadbitter, said: “ The announcement of extra funding is very good news and will add to the extensive efforts that are already underway to support young people at this extremely difficult time. “ Finding ways of encouraging talented young people to live and work in Moray is a key plank of the Moray Economic Strategy, which the SNP has backed and this Ministerial appointment will help to deliver that aim.” |
