Commenting on the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop, of enhancements to the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment Initiative (PACE), Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:
“Economic insecurity amongst Scottish workers is growing as fears of a steep rise in unemployment look increasingly justified.
“In this context, the STUC welcomes the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement of enhancements to the PACE initiative. It is particularly encouraging that the Cabinet Secretary has confirmed that PACE should continue to work to prevent or minimise job losses rather than just deal with redundancies once they have happened.
“The new national helpline and revamped website should help to ensure that those facing redundancy know how to access assistance and the conference scheduled for 9th February is essential to engage with stakeholders at this time of change.
“The Cabinet Secretary is correct to highlight the failure of many employers to engage with PACE at a sufficiently early stage. Ministers must also ensure that the agencies involved – Skills Development Scotland, enterprise networks, Jobcentre Plus – are made keenly aware of their roles and responsibilities in meeting the challenges of rising unemployment”.
ENDS
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