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Support for employability
12/11/2008
The Scottish Government will continue to take steps to increase support for business and households at a time of global economic slowdown, John Swinney said today.
During a Parliamentary debate on the economy the Finance Secretary set out actions already underway as part of the Scottish economic recovery plan.
The Scottish Government has recently announced improvements to the planning system, expanded Scottish Enterprise's advice service to manufacturing companies and made it easier for small businesses to access public sector contracts.
Mr Swinney said:
"At a time of growing pressure on Scottish businesses and on home-owners, the Scottish Government is taking action.
"Today's employment figures confirm that Scotland is not immune from global economic conditions.
"Scotland's labour market remains relatively strong, with higher employment and significantly lower unemployment than elsewhere in the UK and other advanced economies. But we recognise the challenges facing Scotland's economy and, where global pressures impact on local jobs, the Scottish Government will respond quickly through locally-led arrangements that are distinct to Scotland.
"We will be reviewing the operation of PACE to ensure we are in the best position possible to respond to events which occur as a result of today's economic climate.
"And we have today extended support for employability projects across Scotland. In the summer we announced £50 million support through European Structural Funds to Community Planning Partnerships for regeneration and employability initiatives. Today we are extending that support to Inverclyde and Clackmananshire to support training and skills development. That means all proposed CPP bids under these Programmes have been funded.
"As early as August we announced plans to bring forward up to £100 million investment in affordable housing. Increasing growth has been this Government's priority since day one, a commitment we have matched with funding to freeze the Council Tax over three years and to reduce and remove business rates for up to 150,000 small businesses.
"The Scottish economic recovery plan identifies the action we can take to increase support for small business and households, to maximise jobs and investment and ensure our economy is well positioned for recovery.
"Wherever we can we will do more to support Scotland's homes and our high streets."
The Scottish economic recovery plan sets out actions to help householders and businesses. These include
- Reshaping capital expenditure
- Ensuring all government activity, including on planning and regulation supports economic development
- Intensifying our activity and support for Homecoming 2009 to boost tourism
- Intensifying work on energy efficiency and fuel poverty
- Increasing advice to business and individuals
- Improving financial advice to vulnerable individuals
In July the Scottish Government announced support for Community Planning Partnerships in the following areas:
- Dundee
- East Ayrshire
- Edinburgh
- Fife
- Glasgow
- North Ayrshire
- North Lanarkshire
- Renfrewshire
- South Lanarkshire
- West Dunbartonshire
- West Lothian