Responding to John Swinney’s statement on the future of the enterprise networks, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said:
“The STUC is disappointed by the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement. Separating responsibility for skills and business support will only undermine efforts to improve Scotland’s poor record in skills utilisation.
“The link between economic development and skills should ensure that training interventions are designed with the requirements of the labour market in mind. It is crucial that networks now develop a robust and effective partnership with the new skills agency.
“Clarification on the composition of the new regional advisory boards is necessary to ascertain whether the long-standing demographic deficit in economic development structures will be addressed.
“However, the STUC does endorse the transfer of business and innovation grant functions into Scottish Enterprise and hopes that these will be strategically aligned to support Scotland’s priority industries.
“It is important that the relevant trade unions are fully consulted over the implementation of the changes announced today which could have a considerable impact on the staff concerned”.
ENDS
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