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By Oliver Farrimond
SECRETARY of State for Scotland Jim Murphy MP lent a hand with Hibs‘ pre-season preparations yesterday.
The MP for East Renfrewshire helped to cut grass at Easter Road stadium to promote jobs for out-of-work Scots with football teams.
His appearance follows the announcement that unemployment in Scotland has risen to 176,000 – a rise of more than 40,000.
He said: “This is an important message that football clubs who are supported by communities want to give something back – I think it’s a real cause for celebration.
“There is a recession sweeping the globe and every town and city is affected by it, including Scotland.
“We can’t answer every problem and we can’t stop everyone losing their jobs, but we can do everything possible to try to get people back to work.”
The UK Government’s scheme to employ up to 100 young fans is being given serious consideration by SPL clubs.
The plan, aimed at those between 18 and 24 and claiming jobseeker’s allowance, is part of the governments plan to ensure young people have the skills to hold down long-term jobs in the future.
