Tackling youth unemployment

The difficult economic times that Scotland has endured over the last few years has had damaging consequences in a number of areas. It has seen businesses run into extreme difficulties, threatening the jobs and livelihoods of all too many people. It has seen massive budget cuts passed on to the Scottish Government as a result of UK Government spending decisions, hindering our ability to grow the Scottish economy. Yet perhaps the worst consequence of all is the growth in youth unemployment that has accompanied the economic downturn.

The long term impact of youth unemployment should not be underestimated. Being unable to enter the job market at the start of a person’s working life can have hugely damaging consequences for the rest of their life. If somebody cannot get experience of work at the lower rungs of the ladder, they will in time be competing with a new generation of young people for the same positions and struggle to gain employment throughout their life.

The rate of unemployment for 16-24 year olds is unacceptably high, running as it is at 24% - although it should be noted that because of the way the figure is measured, 35% of this figure is made up of people currently in full time education. High youth unemployment risks creating a legacy of people having a lifetime out of work that we will all pay the price for in years to come and is a threat that the SNP Government takes extremely seriously. It would be wrong to suggest there is a single solution to what is ultimately a complex problem, which is why we have appointed a dedicated Minister for Youth Employment to draw together the diverse strands of actions that the Scottish Government is taking on this issue.

Under our Opportunities for All programme, we have given a guarantee to every 16-19 year old not currently in work, training or receiving education that they will be offered a learning or training opportunity. As part of this, there will be 46,000 training places available in every single year of this current parliamentary term. This includes 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships which are directly linked to real jobs, a record number in Scotland.

We have also included a provision in the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan that every single company in receipt of significant government contracts must produce a training and apprenticeship plan outlining how they will provide opportunities for young people. This will ensure that when major public infrastructure investments are being made, opportunities for training and employment will accompany them. These are important actions and demonstrate how determined we are to tackle this issue.

A future for Sangs

People across Banffshire & Buchan Coast will undoubtedly share my concern over the sudden entry into administration of soft drink producer Sangs in Macduff recently. Whether they are directly affected by the move or simply people who enjoy the fantastic products Sangs produce, it is undoubtedly a matter of great concern to a huge number of people in the area.

It is clear to anyone who knows the business that Sangs remains a wholly viable business, but what is needed is time while potential buyers are identified. Both myself and Eilidh Whiteford MP have met with staff at the company and the Scottish Government is doing what it can to try and secure the breathing space that Sangs needs to secure a deal for the future.

The fact that this has happened is an extremely worrying symptom of the current state of the economy, but everyone involved is working hard to secure a viable future for Sangs and its workforce.