Press releases 2009

27 Apr 2009 | UK Government Equalities Bill to ensure Scotland is a fairer place

Scotland Office Minister Ann McKechin today welcomed the publication of the Equality Bill which will significantly strengthen and streamline equalities legislation to make Britain a fairer and more equal place.

27 Apr 2009 | Jim Murphy announces £95m jobs and training boost for young Scots

The Future Jobs Fund is a new initiative, backed by significant money, which will help to generate jobs for those in greatest need, particularly young people, but also in areas of high unemployment.

26 Apr 2009 | Law change allows Scots motorists to fly the flag

Scots motorists will be able to display Saltires on their number plates from Monday as the UK Government amends legislation.

23 Apr 2009 | Secretary of State cooks up a storm for Donaldson’s

Jim Murphy visits Donaldson's school to support its fundraising efforts.

22 Apr 2009 | ONS Labour Market Statistics: April

ONS labour market statistics released today show total employment in Scotland at 2,529,000, a fall of 5,000 over the previous quarter and a fall of 14,000 over the year.

21 Apr 2009 | Mortgage protection for homeowners welcomed

Homeowners Mortgage Support (HMS) will enable eligible borrowers who suffer a temporary loss of income to cut their mortgage interest payments for up to two years to help them get back on track with their finances.

19 Apr 2009 | Secretary of State to attend Scottish Cabinet

Jim Murphy responds to the acceptance of his offer to attend the Scottish Cabinet

16 Apr 2009 | Real Help for Scotland document launched

The Real Help for Scotland document was launched at the UK Cabinet meeting in Glasgow on 16 April.

15 Apr 2009 | Jim Murphy welcomes Cabinet to Scotland

The Secretary of State will play a central role in the first ever meeting of the UK Cabinet in Glasgow this week.

13 Apr 2009 | Scottish firms taking up Real Help Now

 Help from the UK Government has enabled 6570 Scottish companies to defer tax payments totalling £122m to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the past four months, new figures published today reveal.

9 Apr 2009 | UK Government crackdown on Glasgow’s rogue recruiters

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy today threw his weight behind action to stamp out illegal practice by employment agencies in Scotland. In Glasgow and the surrounding area, seven employment agencies have already been issued with warnings for failing to comply with the law.

6 Apr 2009 | Rural opportunities top of the agenda for Scotland Office Minister in regional visit to Dumfries

Scotland Office Minister Ann McKechin was in Dumfries today as part of a regional tour to promote the UK legislative programme, as well as to hear first hand about the challenges currently faced by companies in Scotland and how the UK Government is helping them through the current economic downturn. 

6 Apr 2009 | Scottish Secretary welcomes UK Government pension increase and new flexible working measures

The Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy today hailed the 5% increase in the weekly full basic State Pension that will see a rise from £90.70 to £95.25.

3 Apr 2009 | Scottish Secretary hosts Lanarkshire employment summit

The Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy, held a summit meeting in Lanarkshire today to discuss the current challenges facing the local economy.

02 Apr 2009 | Statement on North Sea Crash to House of Commons

The text of the Secretary of State's oral statement to the House of Commons on the North Sea helicopter crash.

1 Apr 2009 | Secretary of State for Scotland announces UK Cabinet in Scotland

I am delighted to announce that for the first time in almost 90 years, the Prime Minister will take his Cabinet to Scotland's largest city and my home town, Glasgow.