S4M-01449.3

As an amendment to S4M-01449 in the name of Iain Gray (Scotland’s Future), leave out from “first believes” to end and insert, “welcomes the Scottish Government’s efforts to tackle the scourge of youth unemployment, which is a consequence of the UK Government’s failed economic policies; commends the Scottish Government for the wide range of measures in place to provide improved life chances for Scotland’s young people, including providing a record 125,000 modern apprenticeships over the lifetime of this Parliament, support for 14,500 training places each year to help transitions into the labour market, the ‘Opportunities for All’ scheme that will provide a guaranteed suitable place in learning or training for all 16-19 year school-leavers, and by providing support to both institutions and students which maintains university and college numbers; further welcomes that, as a result of Scottish Government policy, youth employment in Scotland is significantly higher than in the UK; recognises that there must be a constant focus on identifying additional measures and welcomes all positive proposals from any quarter that can improve youth employment, and affirms that this Parliament should have the necessary job creating powers at its disposal to maximise opportunities for Scotland’s young people.”