Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Leader hails reduction in unemployment figures
DUNDEE City Council leader John Alexander has hailed new figures that show unemployment has fallen by more than in any other Scottish city.
Dundee City East had the highest percentage decrease in claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance in the first three months of this year, with one in every 100 being signed off the benefit.
Dundee City West saw a 0.9% decrease overall.
Mr Alexander said he welcomed the figures and insisted the authority was “absolutely committed” to creating new jobs and lifting people out of unemployment.
“These figures show positive steps are being made but it’s also important to recognise there’s much more to do and no one is resting on their laurels,” he said. “I’m positive about the future and know there are a number of further announcements and opportunities that will likely come forward over the coming months.
“In reality, it is private business that will create the jobs of the future and we need to continue to create opportunities by bringing new employers into the city and supporting those that are already here.”
Mr Alexander highlighted significant announcements over the last 12 months, including the 750 new jobs at the Social Security Agency, multimillion-pound developments at the Waterfront and positive movements in the port – as well as work on the Tay Cities Deal which has the potential to deliver in excess of £1 billion of investment for the region.
“Dundee’s future is bright and we will not rest until we create the prosperous city that we all want to see,” he added.