City ready to grasp huge opportunities

Senior Government ministers from north and south of the border will converge on Dundee tomorrow for a jobs summit. We were delighted to bring the parties together and look forward to a fruitful discussion.

Industry figures from the city will also attend the meeting, where they will be given a unique opportunity to not only quiz the ministers but also tell them just what they think needs to happen to boost the employment prospects of Dundee residents.

Many of the headlines surrounding the City of Discovery have – quite rightly – been overwhelmingly positive.

How many other cities can boast a £1 billion regeneration programme?

We have a thriving computer games industry, a uniquely beautiful riverside setting, two senior football teams and world-class universities.

The people of Dundee are rightly famed for their warm and welcoming attitude and are hugely proud of their city. But, this is no time for complacency. We must all work together – governments and employers – to capitalise on the exciting developments already unfolding and set to continue over the next few years.

The city does not always fare well when compared to other Scottish settlements.

Unemployment rates are relatively high and there is concern over the gender pay gap.

Meanwhile, issues such as drug use and teenage pregnancy continue to take a toll on wider society.

This week’s summit provides a rare opportunity to tackle all the major issues head-on.