Over 600 people in Inverclyde have been supported through council-funded employability programmes.

The figures come from the first update report on Inverclyde Council’s new Economic Regeneration Strategy.

The strategy was agreed in June this year and councillors on the Environment and Regeneration Committee received an update on how many people and businesses have been supported so far.

Environment and Regeneration Convener, Councillor Michael McCormick, said:

“Boosting jobs and supporting local businesses is important during normal times but is even more important as part of the recovery of our area following the impact of Covid-19.

“It is welcome that so many people and businesses are accessing the support we are making available through our various services and contracts with local employability providers.”

The report to councillors highlighted that the council’s employability contracts with The Trust, Enable, Stepwell and Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights have helped over 400 residents and local employers.

In addition, 130 jobs are being supported with another 25 being progressed through the council’s wage subsidies and training support.

A total of 25 modern apprentices have either started in their roles or are in the late stages of recruitment and another 15 already in the post are continuing to be supported to gain qualifications and experience.

The council’s graduate programme has 14 new starts in 18-month posts and 120 businesses have been supported by the council’s business gateway team so far this year.

Councillor McCormick added:

“I’d urge our local businesses and local residents seeking support to get into work to get in touch with the council either through our employability services or our business gateway team for business support.”

To find out about employability opportunities, click here.