CREATING jobs will be the top priority for a Labour-led Council, Inverclyde Labour said.

Labour’s candidates want to make Inverclyde a fairer and more prosperous place for all and say this is best achieved by giving all who want it, the opportunity to work.

Local businessman and Labour candidate for Inverclyde South West, Colin Jackson, pictured, said: “Labour wants to build a stronger economy, less reliant on a small number of large employers in the public and private sectors. We are committed to maximising the potential of existing businesses and promoting a culture of entrepreneurship in order to diversify the Inverclyde economy.

“We also want to equip our population with the right skills they need to compete for jobs and provide those far from the labour market with the opportunity to gain work experience to assist them to secure permanent employment.”

He added: “Running my own glazing company for nine years now, I have a good understanding of the needs of the small business community in Inverclyde.  I would like to bring this knowledge and experience to the council in order to help develop our strategy for growing more local businesses. This strategy will be key to creating new jobs and training opportunities for local people in the years ahead. ”

Invecrlyde Labour say a Labour Council will:

•    Seek to significantly increase the number of new business start-ups

•    Support new and developing businesses through a range of measures including start-up grants, property improvement grants, marketing support and business development advice

•    Meet regularly with the representatives of the local business community to ensure that we understand their needs and can work with them to overcome barriers to growth

•    Continue to support regeneration agency Riverside Inverclyde in the redevelopment of key waterfront sites and town centres and lobby the Scottish Government for a similar commitment

•    Increase the number of apprenticeships and trainee posts within the Council and work with other private, public and voluntary sector employers to create more job opportunities

•    Continue to fund the Council’s Future Jobs initiative and ‘Recruit’ programme to provide young people with the opportunity for meaningful work experience

•    Work with partners to maximise the potential of Inverclyde as a tourist destination and a filming location.

List Of Candidates for 3 May election

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