Deprivation on our doorstep

Local areas are still struggling, despite boom in jobs

Neighbourhoods in Rutherglen and Cambuslang remain among the most deprived areas in Scotland, despite huge job opportunities on their doorstep, a new report has revealed.

Research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation ( JRF) shows people living in socially deprived areas such as Burnhill, Whitlawburn and Castlemilk are being left behind, whilst Greater Glasgow prospers through economic growth.

Published this month, the report shows there are more jobs available in Glasgow than people of working age. Yet one in three people living there are out of work.

And the picture is the same for Rutherglen and Cambuslang as vast swathes of both towns are classed primary employment zones - areas of high deprivation, but also a high number of jobs.

The report, Overcoming Deprivation and Disconnection in UK Cities, found some Rutherglen and Cambuslang communities are unable to share in the country’s record employment levels because people living there are disconnected from the jobs on offer. This is often because they lack the skills to take up the available roles. Health problems and the type and quality of jobs are also barriers.

Paul Farrell, director of West Whitlawburn Housing Cooperative, said: “On the face of it the results of the report are quite surprising. The levels of poverty we are witnessing in Whitlawburn currently are unprecedented.

“The relationship between vacancies and those seeking work is much more complex than a crude numerical analysis of labour supply and demand.

“There are numerous systemic barriers which exist which need to be overcome. Barriers such as transport links, family care of children and the elderly, confidence, esteem, qualifications, skill sets, awareness of and access to vacancies are all present difficulties in s e c u r ing employment.”

Josh Stott, head of cities at JRF, said: “Cities are engines of growth and many have created significant numbers of jobs in recent years.

“They have rightly been the focus of attempts to rebalance the economy, but this analysis shows people and places have been left behind, despite seeing rising prosperity on their doorsteps.

“Our research shows how rising employment alone will not tackle entrenched pockets of deprivation. To make Britain work for all, we need to connect growth in cities to deprived neighbourhoods, and an industrial strategy which provides skills that business needs.”

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “This report reflects our own understanding of the economic challenges facing Glasgow and its partner authorities.

“The Glasgow City Region City Deal will ultimately provide a £ 1.13billion stimulus that will clearly provide a significant boost to the Clyde Valley economy.

“We are very much focused on boosting skills, improving health and tackling inequalities as the route to enhancing people’s job prospects.”