First Minister Alex Salmond today announced funding of over 34 million from the European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund at a summit in Glasgow intended to act as a platform to protect and promote jobs throughout the country.

Sandra White MSP for Glasgow welcomed the announcement and called upon all parties to work together to ensure that Scotland emerges from this recession in the strongest possible position.

Commenting Ms White said: "Today's announcement is another shot in the arm for the Scottish economy and alongside other Scottish Government initiatives will further aid Scotland's recovery.

"Glasgow is in line to receive £2.8 million to support employment in Glasgow and throughout the Scotland this investment will help 28,000 people on the road to new job opportunities.

"The Scottish Government has shown that it is doing everything within its power to help Scotland through this recession and people want to see all parties putting aside there differences and working together in the best interests of Scotland as a whole."

Notes:

Motion lodgsd in the Scottish Parliament 11/1/10

34 million Boost to Scottish Economy
That the parliament welcomes the announcement, by the First Minister at the National Jobs summit in Glasgow, of over of £34 million new investment to support and prepare people for employment from the European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund; notes that this investment will support the creation of 193 jobs and help 28,000 people gain or sustain employment opportunities through skills development and believes that in these tough economic times we must all work together to ensure the strongest possible economic recovery possible for the whole of Scotland.

The Scottish Government press release can be found here.