NEWS RELEASE
Thursday 11th November 2004
STUC Welcomes Refreshed Smart Successful Scotland Commenting on the publication of the refreshed Smart Successful Scotland strategy, Bill Speirs, STUC General Secretary said:
"The STUC welcomes publication of the refreshed strategy. We are particularly pleased that the new strategy explicitly directs the enterprise networks to maintain a pivotal role in regeneration and tackling Scotland's high and persistent economic inactivity.
"We are also encouraged by the increased emphasis on partnership working. The STUC looks forward to working with the networks to ensure that all Scotland's enterprises are aware of the importance of good employment practices in raising productivity and competitiveness.
"However, we do have concerns over the networks being directed to focus more resources on growing businesses. 'Picking winners' is notoriously difficult. The networks should focus on addressing real market failure and not become a source of corporate welfare for companies well able to look after themselves".
For further information contact:
Stephen Boyd