Glasgow to create 1,000 graduate jobs using Commonwealth cash

Glasgow City Council hopes to create 1,000 jobs for graduates in the city using the money from its Commonwealth Graduate Fund.

It will pay employers half the salary costs for graduates they take on – up to a maximum of £10,000 for each graduate for one year.

The scheme, which will be part of the legacy left to Glasgow by the Games, is open from Monday.

The council has already set up two other schemes to boost employment – the Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative and the Commonwealth Jobs Fund, which is now to be extended to those over the age of 50.

Council leader Gordon Matheson said: “Times are hard. But there are things the council can do to help.

“Graduates account for 32 per cent of our workforce – well above the UK average – and I want those leaving university to believe they can fulfil their dreams in this city.

“But graduate unemployment across the UK has soared since the recession hit. The number of unemployed graduates in the country has doubled from 10 per cent to 20 per cent over the past three years.

“We cannot let this continue. Governments should know when to intervene. This is one of those times.”

To qualify for support, graduates must have attended a Glasgow City Council school for most or all of their secondary education, or have a permanent home or parental home in the city.

They must also have graduated with a degree-level qualification and be seeking full-time work relevant to that degree.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick said: “We warmly welcome this move by the city council.

“We know the labour market is especially tough for young new entrants at this time at all skill levels.

“We have already seen the positive impact of the two existing Commonwealth funds on youth unemployment in Glasgow.

“To include graduates with this new fund recognises the challenges they are also facing in securing jobs, helping us retain the talent that will help attract new investment to the city in the future.”

Other measures being announced by Labour council leader Mr Matheson include the creation of youth enterprise zones, offering young people mentoring, business start-up advice and training and support as well as micro-finance.

The local authority estimates that its Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative has helped about 1,800 Glasgow school-leavers into modern apprenticeships since its launch three years ago.

The Commonwealth Jobs Fund, launched last year, has set a target of creating 1,000 jobs for unemployed young people.

The fund seeks to help those who have been out of work for more than six months, considered long-term unemployed.

The Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland all have ambitious plans to generate a lasting social, economic and sporting legacy from the 2012 Games.

Historically, host cities have rarely managed to achieve these kind of legacy benefits, but the planning and preparation for Glasgow’s bid goes back to 2002, and organisers claim that much consideration has been given to the benefit the event can bring to the city.

The belief that the Games can bring lasting benefits for Glasgow was one of the main reasons its bid was successful in the first place, organisers said.

The Labour-controlled city council has previously said it hopes the event will change the city’s “social landscape” and create an “impetus for raising aspirations.”