Work Program Failing the Long-Term Unemployed

BOOSTING ECONOMIC GROWTH ONLY SOLUTION TO UNEMPLOYMENT
Boosting economic growth is the only real solution to solving long-term unemployment, the SNP has said, after it was revealed that the UK Government’s flagship Work Programme was failing to improve the job prospects of the long-term unemployed.

Figures published today show that just 3.53% of people had found a job for six months or more – well below the 5.5% target.

Ingeus and Working Links were given the contracts for the Work Programme despite having no record of job creation in Scotland, while Scottish social enterprises with a proven record - such as the Wise Group, which got 5,300 people into work in 2010 – were shut out of the process.

Commenting on today’s figures, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“It's clear already that many of the people who have been moved on to the Work Programme from Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance are simply not well enough to do the kind of work that is available.

“People with long term health conditions, disabled people, and those in areas of high unemployment face huge hurdles accessing the labour market.

“The Work Capability Assessment is not fit for purpose and is causing distress to people who are manifestly in need of support but have been told they are fit for work.

“The only real solution to long-term unemployment is to create jobs and boost long-term economic growth – something which today’s OECD report shows that George Osborne has categorically failed to do.

“Instead of blaming people who can't find work for their own poverty, the Government should be investing in jobs and 'shovel ready projects' to kick start the economy, and investing in skills; that's the best way to help people furthest from the labour market.

“This report is yet another nail in the coffin for the Tory Government – and yet another example of how it would be far better if Scotland took its own decisions about how to get people back into work."

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Local MP Drops in to Support Books Abroad Event

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford dropped in at an awareness-raising event for Scottish international development charities in Banff at the weekend being hosted by North-east charity Books Abroad.

Facilitated by NIDOS, the Network of International Development Organisations in Scotland, the exhibition provides a glimpse into some of the amazing work done by 34 of the 91 NIDOS member organisations.  By highlighting the stories of people who have benefited from the work of the organisations, the exhibition aims to raise awareness of the importance of the Scottish voluntary sector’s contribution to tackling global poverty.  The exhibition was formally launched in Edinburgh in September and has since been travelling around Scottish communities hosted by NIDOS member organisations, of which Books Abroad is a member.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“I was very pleased to attend and show my support for the work done by Books Abroad and the other international development organisations taking part in the exhibition.

“The Scotland v Poverty exhibition celebrates Scotland’s strong tradition of working for global justice.  Thanks to the organisations and individuals who have dedicated time and resources to fighting the global issues that keep people in poverty, Scotland has helped make a difference to people in 142 countries around the world.

“This collection of images and stories from 34 Scottish international development charities highlights the voices of people who lifted themselves out of poverty with our support, and demonstrates why it is so important to continue.”

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MP Calls for Immdeiate Statement on CCS Speculation

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has called for an emergency statement following press speculation that the UK will not receive any funding for the first round of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects under the EU’s NER 300 funding scheme.

Failure by the Tory-led Westminster Government to provide full financial details in their application for funding has resulted in no UK projects being given funding for the first stage of the scheme.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford, said:

"These rumours are deeply worrying and, if true, would signal a clear lack of vision and commitment to CCS and renewable projects in Scotland.

"The UK Government needs to clarify whether these rumours are true as a matter of urgency.  If they have no substance then the government needs to say so. Until it does, its silence on the issue only deepens concerns about its commitment to the industry, causing uncertainty for investors and putting thousands of future jobs at risk.

"Even if these rumours are false, the lack of communication by the Tories and their Lib-Dem allies on CCS investment gives out mixed messages to those interested in investing in major projects in Scotland.  This is a huge concern, but it is stands in stark contrast to the clear message of the Scottish Government on CCS, as it does its record on renewable research and investment.

"This really is a tale of two governments. While the London Government dithers, the Scottish Government is fully committed to fulfilling Scotland’s potential to be a world leader in CCS technology.

"We have already seen the benefit of this can do attitude in the renewable sector, and, only this week we have had the creation of a further 750 jobs. London needs to clarify its position now, and fully commit itself to properly support the CCS industry in Scotland."

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Whiteford Raises Vion Pull-Out in Commons Debate Tonight

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has raised the Vion pull-out of the UK in a Commons debate earlier this evening.

The SNP Westminster Agriculture spokesperson was speaking during a debate on the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill.  She said:

“The disturbing and disappointing news breaking this evening that Vion is pulling out of the UK illustrates all too keenly the fragile nature of our food supply chains and the pressure our food producers and processors face in the current economic climate. Some 13,000 people across the UK work for Vion, including more than 130 in my constituency at Strath of Brydock. I know Members across the House will share my concern about the uncertainty facing the employees of Vion, and I ask the Minister to give us an assurance this evening that everything possible will be done to ensure continuity in those Vion plants across the UK, and that the Government will be working very hard to find buyers for the businesses.

“The problems in the supply chain are one of the factors that give rise to the problems food processors face, and addressing them is one of the objectives of the Bill. This evening’s news about Vion is very unfortunate, but it should serve to concentrate our minds on why we so desperately need an effective groceries code adjudicator. This is not a debate about an abstract topic; real people’s jobs and livelihoods are at stake.”

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