Support small business through economic crisis

6.35.27pm GMT Thu 26th Feb 2009

Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Margaret Smith MSP has urged the Education Secretary to do more to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to invest in skills development during the current economic downturn.

Commenting after a statement on the SNP Government's Skills Strategy, Mrs Smith said:

"While some aspects of today's announcement, such as the establishment of a Skills Utilisation Leadership Group, are welcome, they are long overdue.

"Parliament has been waiting over a year for Ministers to bring back their Skills Strategy. At a time of economic crisis, this is deeply regrettable.

"It is clear that greater support is needed for SMEs as many smaller businesses do not see skills development as a priority during a recession. The Scottish Government must work with these businesses to persuade them that the complete opposite is true.

"I would like to see a full Parliamentary debate so that some of the more significant issues raised in the Skills' Strategy can be looked at in detail."