Dundee West MP Jim McGovern threw his weight behind the Courier’s “Let’s get Dundee working” campaign with a pledge to do all he can in Westminster to attract more employers to Dundee .

Mr McGovern expressed grave concern at last week’s news about the funding cut for the Dundee Employment and Aftercare Project.

He said:

“At a time of recession the last thing the local authority should be considering is cutting funding for a project with a good track record of getting unemployed people back into work.

“People who have been out of work for a spell need the support that DEAP gives – help with their CV, advice on applications, mock interviews. It is daunting to go for a new job at the best of times. The SNP led Council is taking away this support at the worst time possible.

Jim McGovern pointed to the areas where the skills of the Dundee workforce could attract future employment for the City.

He said:

“Under the previous administration, Council officers were actively seeking opportunities with the renewable energy industry for Dundee jobs. I hope that these efforts are continuing now and might bear fruit in the near future.

Mr McGovern called on local businesses to do their bit.

“It’s tough times for everyone – especially small businesses trying to stay afloat. But I would ask local business owners to consider taking on someone for even half a day’s work experience a week to get them into the workplace. This will give them a bit of confidence that will help them on the road into work.”

“Labour’s ambition is to guarantee work to all young people under 18 and a job or training to 18-24 year olds out of work for more than 6 months.