City Deal projects will boost access to jobs

People may know about our Glasgow City Region City Deal infrastructure projects in Renfrewshire and our plans to build new bridges, roads, cycle ways and pedestrian routes across the local area.

These projects will improve access to jobs, connect communities and create the infrastructure which attracts new businesses big and small to base themselves in the local area, bringing with them jobs and opportunities for local people.

What people might not realise is that another key focus of the eight city region councils is tackling unemployment.

So I was delighted to see the results of its employment programme Youth Gateway, which exceeded all its targets and helped more than 8000 people aged 16-29 into sustained employment.

Here in Renfrewshire 745 people gained a job through its support and a further 1,700 people received the support to help them take the next step into employment.

I congratulate everyone involved in this initiative and welcome plans to build on this further over the coming years.