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Finance task force to be created
10/02/2009
A Finance Sector Jobs Task Force will be established to tackle the current challenges in the sector and help prepare Scotland's economy for a strong recovery, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.
The First Minister was speaking following a meeting of a Financial Services Advisory Board (FiSAB), held at Aegon in Edinburgh Park. It was agreed at the meeting that FiSAB, a collaboration of the financial services industry, unions, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Universities Scotland, will drive forward work to establish a jobs task force for the financial sector.
Mr Salmond said:
"Scotland's financial services industry has a long-standing, global reputation for excellence. The recent and unprecedented events within this sector, around the world, have created real challenges. However, I have no doubt, that with the skills and experience Scotland boasts, this sector can emerge even stronger.
"This is why the Scottish Government is determined to do all we can to protect and retain the skills and experience of the sector.
"In partnership with the industry, through FiSAB, we will create a Finance Sector Jobs Task Force to co-ordinate efforts across Scotland to ensure maximum levels of employment are retained within the financial services industry. The taskforce will help staff with essential skills, who may lose their jobs, transfer those skills whether it's through self-employment, entrepreneurship or with alternative employers - to the advantage of the Scottish economy.
John Campbell, chair of FiSAB and chairman of Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) said:
"The industries challenges are global, and each country is seeking to rebuild stability and confidence in its markets and amongst customers.
"Here in Scotland we believe our long history will stand us in good stead and we have the advantage of FiSAB and will use it to take our taskforce forward. SFE will support it wholeheartedly."
The Financial Services Advisory Board (FiSAB) was established in March 2005 to deliver 'A Strategy for the Financial Services Industry In Scotland' aimed at ensuring the success of one of Scotland's most prestigious and profitable industries. FiSAB brings together partners from the financial services industry, the public sector and the trade unions. FiSAB is supported by the Financial Services Implementation Group (FiSIG).