Stevenson Welcomes Extra Funding And Dedicated Minister To Tackle Youth Unemployment

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government will create a dedicated Minister with responsibility for tackling the problem of youth unemployment. Announced during a debate in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday), the Scottish Government will also add an additional £30 million to its ongoing efforts to help young people into work, education, or apprenticeships.

Details of the Ministerial post and how the additional £30 million of funding will be allocated will be outlined by Ministers before Parliament breaks for the Christmas recess.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I welcome the decision that there will now be a dedicated Minister working on behalf of the unacceptably high proportion of young people who are currently unemployed as a result of the economic problems we face. Nobody should go through school only to find themselves unable to work at the end of it, and face potential problems for the rest of their working life as a result.

“When appointed, the Minister will help to ensure that there is a joined up approach to tackling youth unemployment across the Scottish Government and that is the right way forward if we are to tackle this serious problem.

“The creation of this post will build upon the Scottish Government’s commitment to provide every 16-19 year old who needs it a learning or training position through our Opportunities for All scheme.

“The announcement of extra funding is also good news and will only add to the extensive efforts that are already underway to support young people at this extremely difficult time.”