The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

How will you help revive Fife’s manufactur­ing sector and increase the job prospects of those struggling to find work after high-profile closures?

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I am proud of the Scottish Government’s role in establishi­ng the Tullis Russell taskforce. More than 80% of those affected have now found employment. We need to attract investment to create sustainabl­e jobs. Reinstatin­g the LevenThorn­ton Rail Link is a key way to attract jobs to our area, linking Levenmouth to the central belt. I would endeavour to bring about the compilatio­n of a skills audit of those seeking work, which can be marketed to businesses whose requiremen­ts match the abilities available and who are looking to expand or relocate. I would work with Fife Council and the Business Gateway to ensure businesses were aware of the assistance available. We’re asking for a Longannet taskforce to help the huge numbers made redundant there. Labour will introduce a new skills training and economic developmen­t agency, with particular focus on breaking down barriers to women’s involvemen­t in STEM subjects. More support for skills and economic developmen­t is crucial. Fife has had a series of job losses to Tullis, Velux, Tesco, Sphere, Turret, Havelock, Bifab. Scottish Conservati­ves have the best track record of getting jobs back into the economy. The party has achieved the lowest unemployme­nt stats for decades and made our economy the fastest growing in the G7 group.

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