MP’S VISIT

Local packaging firm, DS Smith, and national charity, the EY Foundation, welcomed Hannah Bardell MP to meet with local young people who struggle to enter the workplace.

The Livingston MP met with 18 year-olds Gary and Scott, DS Smith and the EY Foundation to discuss the work being done to bring the local labour market closer to the constituency’s young citizens most at risk.

This year, the EY Foundation and DS Smith have joined together to support young people who are furthest away from the labour market. Many young people in the UK face significant barriers to accessing the work skills, experience and guidance they need. It means their potential can remain hidden or untapped. Through a carefully designed programme of employability skills training, paid work experience and mentoring, students are given the opportunity to box-up an exciting future.

“The investment DS Smith has made into the West Lothian and Scottish economy is vital to our success as a global manufacturing hub,”shared Hannah Bardell MP.“The commitment to a circular economy and recycling is so important and it’s very clear DS Smith is at the forefront of efforts to be a leader in green technology.

“I so enjoyed meeting Gary and Scott. The experience they’ve had at DS Smith has clearly had a hugely positive impact and I look forward to working with DS Smith and the EY Foundation to help them do even more with local communities to support greater employability.”