Menu
13/01/2012
British-Irish Council Discuss Job Creation
First Minister Alex Salmond will attend the British-Irish Council tomorrow following his recent call to the Westminster government for a UK-wide jobs summit to agree an immediate programme of employment creation.
In Dublin the First Minister will highlight Scotland's innovative approach to youth employment, including the appointment of the UK's first dedicated minister for the issue.
Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance and the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop will also attend the British-Irish Council, which brings together ministers from the eight BIC member administrations to strengthen relationships and to provide a forum for consultation and co-operation.
The First Minister said: "Before Christmas, I called for a UK jobs summit led by the finance ministers of the four UK administrations to agree a programme of immediate employment creation. However, this call has not been acted upon. We will therefore raise with the Deputy Prime Minister at the British-Irish Council the issue of employment and economic growth.
"Despite severe cuts from Westminster, we still have higher employment in Scotland compared to the UK. The UK Government needs to embrace a Plan Mac-B approach, based on the Scottish experience of increased public investment to create more jobs and growth, otherwise we will be left trying to mitigate against their flawed economic policy.
"Scotland has also seen a series of positive jobs announcements from major companies in recent months, but more needs to be done, particularly to tackle the scourge of youth unemployment. This is precisely why I appointed the first dedicated Minister for Youth Employment in the UK last month.
"A lot of excellent work has already been done and we are committed to creating 25,000 modern apprenticeship opportunities this year and in each year of this parliament.
"A further £30 million has been announced specifically to tackle youth unemployment, on top of £2 billion already invested in opportunities for young people, and Ms Constance is continuing to speak to key bodies about how best to direct this additional investment.
"We have also announced Opportunities for All, our promise of a place in education or training for every 16 to 19-year-olds, and would urge the Westminster and the other devolved administrations to not just work with us, but to follow our lead."
The eight BIC member administrations are: Guernsey, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the UK.
The Scottish Government's innovative Engage for Education site allows users to read blogs from Ministers, post comments and get involved in workshops on issues relating to education.
(GK)
In Dublin the First Minister will highlight Scotland's innovative approach to youth employment, including the appointment of the UK's first dedicated minister for the issue.
Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance and the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop will also attend the British-Irish Council, which brings together ministers from the eight BIC member administrations to strengthen relationships and to provide a forum for consultation and co-operation.
The First Minister said: "Before Christmas, I called for a UK jobs summit led by the finance ministers of the four UK administrations to agree a programme of immediate employment creation. However, this call has not been acted upon. We will therefore raise with the Deputy Prime Minister at the British-Irish Council the issue of employment and economic growth.
"Despite severe cuts from Westminster, we still have higher employment in Scotland compared to the UK. The UK Government needs to embrace a Plan Mac-B approach, based on the Scottish experience of increased public investment to create more jobs and growth, otherwise we will be left trying to mitigate against their flawed economic policy.
"Scotland has also seen a series of positive jobs announcements from major companies in recent months, but more needs to be done, particularly to tackle the scourge of youth unemployment. This is precisely why I appointed the first dedicated Minister for Youth Employment in the UK last month.
"A lot of excellent work has already been done and we are committed to creating 25,000 modern apprenticeship opportunities this year and in each year of this parliament.
"A further £30 million has been announced specifically to tackle youth unemployment, on top of £2 billion already invested in opportunities for young people, and Ms Constance is continuing to speak to key bodies about how best to direct this additional investment.
"We have also announced Opportunities for All, our promise of a place in education or training for every 16 to 19-year-olds, and would urge the Westminster and the other devolved administrations to not just work with us, but to follow our lead."
The eight BIC member administrations are: Guernsey, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the UK.
The Scottish Government's innovative Engage for Education site allows users to read blogs from Ministers, post comments and get involved in workshops on issues relating to education.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 April 2012
Employment Minister To Encourage Employers To Give a 'Hoodie' A Job
In a speech later today the employment minister, Chris Grayling, will say companies should take a chance on "the surly young man in a hoodie". "It's easy to hire someone from Eastern Europe with five years' experience," he is expected to say, adding that firms should take a risk on less obvious "local recruits".
Employment Minister To Encourage Employers To Give a 'Hoodie' A Job
In a speech later today the employment minister, Chris Grayling, will say companies should take a chance on "the surly young man in a hoodie". "It's easy to hire someone from Eastern Europe with five years' experience," he is expected to say, adding that firms should take a risk on less obvious "local recruits".
27 July 2011
Department of Health Tackles 'Helpers' Shortfall
Plans to make it easier for people with disabilities to employ 'Personal Assistants' to help them to live as full a life as possible were revealed today by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow. A Framework for Personal Assistants (PAs) helps offer universal support for people with care needs as well as the PAs they employ.
Department of Health Tackles 'Helpers' Shortfall
Plans to make it easier for people with disabilities to employ 'Personal Assistants' to help them to live as full a life as possible were revealed today by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow. A Framework for Personal Assistants (PAs) helps offer universal support for people with care needs as well as the PAs they employ.
06 July 2005
‘Progress slow’ in tackling minority employment gap
The unemployment rate among black and Asian people in the UK is still higher than that of white people, a new report from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has claimed. The employment rate for ethnic minority people in 2004 was 59.4%, compared to 74.7% for the working age population as a whole.
‘Progress slow’ in tackling minority employment gap
The unemployment rate among black and Asian people in the UK is still higher than that of white people, a new report from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has claimed. The employment rate for ethnic minority people in 2004 was 59.4%, compared to 74.7% for the working age population as a whole.
11 September 2009
Research Identifies Poor Image Of Construction Industry
Research carried out by the Construction Youth Trust identifies the poor image of the construction industry amongst teachers, parents, careers advisors and other influencers as a key factor acting as a barrier to disadvantaged young people entering the construction industry.
Research Identifies Poor Image Of Construction Industry
Research carried out by the Construction Youth Trust identifies the poor image of the construction industry amongst teachers, parents, careers advisors and other influencers as a key factor acting as a barrier to disadvantaged young people entering the construction industry.
13 February 2012
Bosses Urged To Back Youth Employment Scheme
A new plan has been rolled out with an aim of reducing the amount of youth unemployment. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is urging employers and firms to join a government scheme that offers a cash incentive to take on and train young people.
Bosses Urged To Back Youth Employment Scheme
A new plan has been rolled out with an aim of reducing the amount of youth unemployment. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is urging employers and firms to join a government scheme that offers a cash incentive to take on and train young people.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
