This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Welfare to Work can have major impact in rural areas - Brian Wilson
30/12/1997
Scottish Industry Minister, Mr Brian Wilson MP, today stressed the benefits and opportunities that Welfare to Work can bring to young unemployed people in rural areas.
Speaking during a visit to Stornoway Job Centre where he met the Western Isles partners in Welfare to Work, Mr Wilson said:
"Although the eligible number of people in rural areas is relatively small Welfare to Work can make a major impact in enabling young people to find jobs and move off welfare and into work.
"It is important that the delivery of Welfare to Work meets local needs and circumstances and I have been particularly impressed by the quality of local action plans that have been submitted for each of the LEC areas in the Highlands and Islands.
"The plans show that good strong partnerships have been formed between LECs, local authorities and others providers which reflect the smaller overall numbers of young unemployed people in the Highlands and Islands, the dispersed population and geographic considerations including transport issues.
"I am determined that The New Deal will benefit all of Scotland's young people and that is why its design recognises the particular delivery issues that will arise in rural areas and in particular the need to offer as many options as possible."