MP hails plan to get Leithers back to work

Published on Tuesday 13 January 2009 09:30

LABOUR MP Mark Lazarowicz has welcomed the Government's plans to try to secure work for more than 400 people across his constituency.

Ministers yesterday announced that 500 million will be invested in the economy over the next two years to help those who have been unemployed for more than six months.

The Edinburgh North and Leith representative said: "These are exciting plans which will help people in Edinburgh, Leith and across Scotland.

"This is real help for people now – we cannot afford not to act. Labour is committed to taking action so that we support people through these difficult times."

Around 410 people across Edinburgh North and Leith are to be helped through the investment.

James Purnell, Labour's Secretary of State for Department of Work and Pensions, said: "We have unveiled the next stage of help for job seekers.

"There are still over half a million jobs available and employers are still recruiting – we will do everything we can to get people into those jobs.

"The 500 million pounds will be used to guarantee extra support to everyone who reaches six months unemployment – we are determined to provide real help to people in these tough times.

"Our message is simple – the longer a person is out of work the harder we will work for them."