Targeted measures to build a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for Scotland in the wake of COVID-19 have been announced.

Publishing responses to the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery report and the Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board report, Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop outlined key actions to generate significant economic growth, combined with a focus on supporting jobs, skills and training.

These initial measures include:

• Investing at least £50 million to support Youth Employment, including the Scottish Job Guarantee;
• Embedding Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeship places as part of our wider college and university provision, as well as extending Fair Start Scotland services;
• Introducing a Transition Training Fund to support individuals facing redundancy and unemployment in those sectors most exposed to a downturn providing opportunities to upskill and transition into employment;
• Maximising help for those facing redundancy through the Scottish Government’s PACE support programme;
• Making it easier for SMEs to compete for public sector contracts and supporting them to make greater use of digital technology;
• Exploring options to alleviate planning restraints, build capacity and deal more quickly with complex applications; and
• Invite leaders from business and other organisations to work with senior civil servants to ensure key Scottish Government policies maximise opportunities for economic benefit.

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AGER Response

Skills Strategic Board Response

Inverclyde Chamber’s AGER Response