This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scots Companies Given Help with Bug Busting
29/09/1998
£2.6 million of Government money is immediately being made available to Scottish companies to assist them in tackling the millenium bug problem.
The money will provide for around 2,000 bug busters to be trained and will be pumped through Local Enterprise Companies (LECS) who will be taking the lead in delivering the funding package.
Scottish Business and Industry Minister Gus Macdonald said:
"There is no doubt that the Millenium date change could give businesses a major headache. This funding will go directly to help relieve the pressure and kick start businesses into tackling the problem head-on.
"My officials are writing to the Chief Executives of the local enterprise network with guidance on how to implement the funding so that they can build on the good work already done by other agencies in raising awareness of the problem. With the LECS on board we can encourage collaboration and networking between employers to secure the maximum coverage of training.
"The primary responsibility for taking action to prepare for the Millenium bug rests with the business community but today's action by Government shows our determination to help them respond quickly and effectively."
BACKGROUND
1. The £2.6 million is aimed at small to medium sized businesses employing up to 250 people.
2. LECS will take the lead in delivering the package of funding. They will target particular companies who they feel may benefit most from the funding and in turn each company will identify a suitable individual for training. Collaboration and networking will be a key feature of the package. For example one trainee might be contacted by a lead company in a consortia to tackle the Millenium bug across a number of employers. Companies may where appropriate band together to employ a contractor/consultant rather than using a direct employee to undertake this training.
News Release: 1953/98
29 September, 1998