05 Nov 2002
The success of the Government's Action Teams for Jobs in helping people find work in areas where employment rates are low was celebrated today by Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire.
The Minister officially opened a flat in Inverness which is part of the Yosser Project run by the Salvation Army. The flat will help homeless people living in Salvation Army Hostel accommodation to make the transition to temporary accommodation on finding work. The flat is run by the Salvation Army and partly funded by the Highlands and Western Isles Action for Jobs Team.
Action Teams for Jobs is a Government initiative designed to help areas with particularly high rates of unemployment. The Teams target disavantaged people of working age who want help to get into work, and focus on finding work in the locality wherever possible. Announced in the 2000 Budget, there are currently nine teams in Scotland, that have so far helped over 6,000 people into work.
Anne McGuire said:
"Many people are benefiting from this Government's investment in help for the unemployed and the Highlands & Western Isles Action Team that I have visited today is a great example of this.
"We have always recognised that local problems need local solutions to help people find jobs in areas with high unemployment. Helping people find a sustainable good quality job is the best way to break the cycle of long-term unemployment, and to tackle poverty and the hopelessness it brings."
The Minister celebrated a milestone when she met Ms Anna Coda, the 1000thperson to be helped into work thanks to the Highlands and Western Isles Action Team. Ms Coda is not a Salvation Army resident, and is not associated with the Yosser Project.
Anne McGuire said:
"I am delighted we are able to celebrate the 1000th figure milestone today thanks to the hard work and effort of the Action Team. I congratulate Anna Coda on finding work."
NOTE FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. The help offered by the Action Team is voluntary and clients are drawn from people in receipt of unemployment related benefits. There are no age or duration of unemployment restrictions to receiving help. However the objectives and targets of the Action Team takes account of labour market disadvantages and local factors such as transport and post code discrimination.
2. The Minister presented the certificate to Ms Coda at the Jobcentre Plus Office in Huntly House. Ms Coda has found work with Microcom, a training company in Inverness.
3. To protect residents' privacy the exact address of the flat can not be disclosed. Photographs of the official opening will be avialable this afternoon from Jackie McDonald at Jobcentreplus media services on 01698 787865.
4. The other Action Teams in Scotland are in East Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire, Dundee, North Lanarkshire and four in Glasgow.