Speaking after he had participated in the Prime Minister’s Jobs Summit in London, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:
“Scotland is still struggling to cope with persistently high levels of economic inactivity; a legacy of the recessions of the 1980s and 1990s and the disastrous labour market policies which accompanied them.
“Therefore, the STUC welcomes the measures announced by the Prime Minister today which attempt to prevent similar problems arising again by targeting substantial assistance at those out of work for 6 months or more.
“Of course it is vital that the ‘golden hellos’ of £2500 are used to support sustainable, quality employment and not used to subsidise unscrupulous employers.
“It is also essential that any funding consequentials for Scotland from today’s announcements are quickly clarified and used to support a comprehensive package of employment and training support in Scotland. The STUC looks forward to discussing these issues with the First Minister and Secretary of State for Scotland in the coming weeks”.
ENDS
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