New scheme could 'find 2,000 jobs'
03/10/2008(14:46)
A new initiative which aims to get the long-term unemployed back to work has been launched.
The £19 million scheme, North Lanarkshire Working, could help as many as 2,000 Scottish jobseekers find employment.
Maureen McConachie, head of regeneration services at North Lanarkshire Council, claims the project offers a "unique opportunity" to those looking for work.
The programme, which is backed by local councils and colleges, will see jobseekers given support and training as they look for positions.
Maureen Watt, the minister for schools and skills, believes the project will benefit those in deprived areas.
She states: "The government believes all people in Scotland should have the chance to undertake training and find employment. This is important for hard to reach groups, such as those caught in the trap of long-term unemployment."
Meanwhile, 1,700 new jobs are to be created in Scotland thanks to expansion plans from supermarket Tesco, reports the Scotsman.
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