Minister wants to 'do better' for young folk

The Paisley-born MP tasked by Keir Starmer to reform the welfare system says getting young people off benefits and into work is the "cause of our times".

- PAUL HUTCHEON

Minister Pat McFadden was born in Paisley and recently set out his plans to help young people into work

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said tackling youth unemployment had a class element as he announced work support for up to 60,000 Scots.

McFadden was handed the major Cabinet role in the wake of the UK Government dumping their original plans for welfare reform.

The MP was in neighbouring Glasgow on Friday to roll out plans to help young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETS).

One study suggested one in six young Scots fall into this category.

Speaking to our sister title, the Daily Record, McFadden said of this figure: "It's a terrible human story and it's also expensive for the state, and I think we can do better and give young people a better offer."