Reality’s not lost on city council boss

I AGREE with S.J.B.’s recent letter — it’s painful to read about any company in Dundee closing its doors.

Indeed, my wife will be left without a job when Lloyds Banking Group closes its Dundee facility in December, so the reality is certainly not lost on me.

When any announcement is made, council services rally to support workers that have lost their jobs and often take a leading role in setting up “meet the employer” type events or linking individuals to training opportunities.

Our own apprenticeship programmes, employability pipeline, work with the Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce and relationship with D&A College mean we do have a range of support and practical help in place for such events.

There is a tremendous amount of construction going on in the city at the moment and Dundee City Council utilises specific “community benefit” clauses in contracts to ensure there are training and employment opportunities as well as real jobs — particularly in the trades.

Turning to the latter point, I do not share S.J.B.’s viewpoint.

In a short period of time in administration, we have delivered or worked in partnership to deliver a significant announcement in decommissioning, move forward plans for a £26 million social housing development in the Hilltown, opened the £13m Tayview Primary School, launched the Dundee Youth Fund and are progressing with the Tay Cities Deal and European City of Culture bid — to name a few.

As an SNP administration and as Dundonians, we are passionate about delivering results.

There will be some significant and positive announcements in the coming weeks, helping to improve and enhance our fantastic city and I hope you will welcome these in a similar fashion.

Councillor John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council.

City council leader John Alexander.