The Scottish Population Study 2005 showed that almost 40% of claimants wanted to work, which was the highest rate in Scotland.

In the same year West Dunbartonshire was one of seven local authorities chosen to participate in the Scottish Executive’s Closing the Opportunity Gap (CtOG) initiative with funding provided to reduce the number of claimants by 2190 by 2010.

To meet this target and help realise the aspirations of people who want to get a job West Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership (WDCPP) has launched its first Workforce Plus Action Plan. This plan has been very well received by the Scottish Executive and highlighted as an example of good practice. The West Dunbartonshire Plan details the multiple barriers to employment that are faced by thousands of people and what needs to be done to address these issues.

One of the main problems in West Dunbartonshire is the high number of people suffering from ill health, including a high level of mild to moderate mental health issues. In 2005 1 in 8 of the local working population made a claim for a health-related benefit.

The Action Plan provides a detailed assessment of the local economic situation and stresses the need for a “more cohesive employability service.”

It also provides guidance on how the WDCPP will meet the Scottish Executive CtOG targets of reducing claimants by 840 by March 2007 and by 2190 by the year 2010.

There is expected to be a 4.7% increase in jobs in West Dunbartonshire by 2015, the majority being in construction, retail, catering and social care. This is combined with a growing number of employment opportunities in Glasgow and throughout the west of Scotland. To take advantage of this the Action Plan stresses the importance of planning services to meet the needs of claimants who want to be in work, particularly those people suffering from health-related barriers to employment.

The first Workforce Plus Action Plan, which covers the period to March this year, can be viewed on this website by clicking the on the link below. Following on from the 2006-2007 Plan and a range of consultations, a second plan has been produced to cover the 2007 – 2010 period; this will be available from the end of March when it will also be accessed from this website. Comments on both the existing and future plan can be emailed to Pauline Kelly at pauline@westdp.co.uk or by contacting West Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership on 01389 742544.