Patrick Harvie, Kirsten Robb and John Wilson to Give Public Talk: Jobs and the New Economy
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Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP will join lead Central Scotland candidates Kirsten Robb and John Wilson MSP for a public talk on jobs and the economy that a Green Scottish parliament can offer.
The event, which takes place on 29th February in East Kilbride, will offer attendees the chance to hear the uniquely Green view for Scotland’s future as well as the opportunity to put their questions to the panellists.
Speaking at a recent visit to Damada Group, a business in East Kilbride accredited as a Living Wage employer, Kirsten Robb said: "A real, living wage - like Damada Group pays - is a lifeline to workers throughout Central Scotland. Young people in particular need good opportunities to work in their communities, and a living wage for all will help address the economic imbalance they have experienced in the past decade."
Kirsten Robb continued, "In light of the Scottish Government's disappointing decision to cut the number of Employability Fund places by 40%, young people will soon find it even harder to locate good opportunities for work. I want to reverse this trend, and once elected I will fight for better youth employment prospects across Central Scotland. Spreading the Living Wage to more businesses throughout Scotland is a solid step toward that goal."
Patrick Harvie added: "As well as making workers healthier, happier and more productive, one of the unappreciated benefits of the Living Wage comes when businesses know that their customers have enough cash to spend. In areas like retail and hospitality the benefits are clear, that when people earn a decent wage their spending power benefits their wider local economy."
The Scottish Green Party launched their Holyrood campaign on Monday 8th February, including policies on increasing the Minimum Wage to the Living Wage by 2020, defending workers’ rights to collective bargaining and rolling back anti-trade union laws, support for small businesses and start-ups, and a pledge to deliver 204,000 jobs in clean, green industries.
The panel event, "Jobs and the New Economy", will take place on 29th February from 7pm at Righead United Reformed Church in East Kilbride. All members of the public are welcome.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1012650512134137/