Dundee Labour group leader Kevin Keenan has said that investment in the construction industry in the city should be a “priority of the Scottish Government.”
He was responding to figures showing there are now 265 unemployed construction workers in Dundee.
Figures on those in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance in Dundee show there are 25 bricklayers and masons, 15 roofers, tilers and slaters, 35 plumbers, heating and ventilating engineers, 90 carpenters and joiners, five glaziers, window fabricators and fitters, 10 plasterers, 30 floorers and wall tilers and 55 painters and decorators.
Mr Keenan said: “The health of the construction industry is a good indicator of the overall strength of the economy.
“Today, the shortage of work for 265 skilled construction workers in our city results from the near-standstill in economic growth.
“Instead, investment in our housing and schools is essential in order to boost this skilled sector, upon which so many other supply businesses depend.”‘Decisive measures’He added: “The Scottish Government cut Dundee’s affordable housing programme severely in recent years from £10 million to £5.4 million, and we wait to see how well Dundee will fare under their new innovation and investment fund.
“Difficult times call for decisive measures.
“Councils stand ready to play their role in reviving the fortunes of the construction industry which should be a priority for the Scottish Government.”
Recently building industry leaders questioned official statistics showing a 10% increase in employment in the Scottish construction sector over the past 12 months.
The figures were quoted by First Minister Alex Salmond as evidence that government efforts to prioritise public investment in capital projects are benefiting the construction industry north of the border, while construction employment south of the border has apparently been flatlining.
Mr Salmond used this evidence to bolster his campaign to secure additional economic powers as part of the Scotland Bill.