Strategy to help jobless youth to be aired

The Scottish Government will set out its strategy to tackle soaring youth unemployment levels today.

Almost 100,000 Scots between the age of 16 and 24 are out of work – about a third of the national total – and Angela Constance recently became Scotland’s first youth unemployment minister tasked with tackling the problem.

Ms Constance will meet employees and management from the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow and Hewlett Packard in Erskine today. She said: “I have prioritised meeting employers, employer organisations and employees to gather their views on how to tackle youth unemployment and the contribution the business community can make.

“The Marriot Group and Hewlett Packard have already done some excellent work in this area and I am keen to hear more, as well as meet some of their success stories.”

The minister added: “[Today] also sees our Youth Employment Strategy published for consultation ahead of the National Economic Forum meeting, which will focus solely on tackling this crucial issue.

“I would encourage organisations and individuals with an interest and who have ideas to get involved in this discussion and think about what part they can play in providing our young people with a brighter future.”

Ms Constance has a £30 million budget to tackle youth unemployment, money brought together from other government departments. She was appointed last month, after the creation of the new role was called for in a report by leading business and community figures.