John Swinney launches SNP jobs manifesto

DEPUTY First Minister John Swinney has set out plans he said would end austerity and boost investment, as he launched the SNP’s jobs manifesto at a campaign event in Edinburgh today.

John Swinney on the campaign trail. Picture: Greg Macvean

The finance secretary said the plan would support job creation and lead to an increase in the national minimum wage from £6.50 to £8.70 by 2020.

Mr Swinney said the nationalists would also end “exploitative zero hours contracts” and deliver further financial support for small businesses.

He said: “Austerity cuts have stopped our economy reaching its full potential for too long – holding back job creation and stifling growth. It couldn’t be clearer that we need to take a new direction and invest in the economy and jobs.

“But we are absolutely clear that creating jobs is only the first challenge – and that we need to do everything we can to ensure that work always pays.

“Far too many people in Scotland and across the UK are suffering from the scourge of in-work poverty – the very idea that people go out to work every day and still can’t make ends meet is nothing less than a disgrace.

“SNP MPs will ensure that Westminster is forced to take a different approach – promoting the principles behind Fair Work, abolishing exploitative zero hours contracts and supporting a minimum wage of £8.70 by 2020.”