MSP wants task force set up to help Lanarkshire jobless

Jun 12 2008 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

HUGH O’Donnell, Liberal Democrat MSP for Central Scotland, has called for a task force to help people affected by recent job loses in Lanarkshire.

In the last month, there have been as many as 2000 job losses in Lanarkshire and Central Scotland, including 800 at Freescale in East Kilbride.

Commenting, Mr O’Donnell said: “These recent job losses are a real blow for the community and families of Lanarkshire and Central Scotland.

“Last month, I spoke to the Enterprise Minister asking him to set up a task force to aid those affected, including assistance in finding new work and offering services like fast-track training.

“Today, I reiterate that request and ask him to extend the task force to cover the whole of Lanarkshire.

“It is clear now that the SNP government’s current enterprise strategy isn’t working and is in fact failing the people of Central Scotland.

“Job losses in this region are spiralling out of control, with as many as 2000 jobs lost or under threat in the last month. It is now vital that the Scottish government comes forward and do everything it can to support those affected by these job cuts.”