This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Employment Service brings New Deal to Rural Scotland
30/03/1998
Tayside's Employment Service and the Crieff and West Strathearn Initiative Rural Partnership worked together for the first time last Thursday (March 26) on a business presentation about New Deal, the Government's initiative to tackle youth unemployment. The presentation by the Employment Service to the local business community was well attended by more than 20 employers.
Bob Alexander, District Manager for the Employment Service in Tayside explained to the employers present how important it was for organisations to work together to deliver New Deal. He said:
"It's vitally important for New Deal to be delivered by the Employment Service in partnership with other local organisations. By working together we can make sure that New Deal meets the needs both of jobseekers and employers in the area.
"We must also ensure that New Deal is available throughout rural areas as well as in towns and cities. That is why it is so important for rural employers get involved."
David Kerr, Chairman of the Crieff and West Strathearn Initiative Rural Partnership, told local business people that this was the first time the Employment Service and one of Scotland's Rural Partnerships had collaborated in such a way. The area's Business Association and Tourism Committee also worked with the Partnership in organising the event. It was a good example of how Rural Partnerships can work with other agencies and organisations to tackle local issues and promote initiatives in rural areas. Tayside is one of 12 Pathfinder areas established across Britain, where the New Deal for young unemployed people began in January, three months earlier than the in the rest of the country. The Tayside Pathfinder, which is the only one in Scotland, is already achieving excellent results.
After operating for only 11 weeks, over 100 young people have found jobs, and a significant number are taking part in full-time education and training, work within the voluntary sector or the Environment Task Force. Nearly 400 Tayside companies have signed up to New Deal, pledging over 800 jobs.
News Release: AG057/98
March 30, 1998