Labour unveils potential policies

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Labour has published details of a range of potential policies to be considered by the party in the run-up to next year's Holyrood election.

The proposals include a commitment to a new Forth bridge and a pledge to consider the abolition of tolls on both the Forth and the Tay.

The document says the party should encourage all schools to have uniforms.

It also suggests action to tackle the lack of male primary teachers and the lack of women in senior positions.

The document, which First Minister Jack McConnell described as a "raft of ideas" for members to consider, was published as the party's Scottish conference got under way in Oban.

Improve accountability

Other suggestions include the creation of a full employment agency which would deliver the skills, guidance, careers and training functions which are currently provided by Scottish Enterprise.

This partnership between government, trade unions and industry would aim to reduce the number 16 to 19-year-olds who are not in employment, education and training.

There are also calls for a shake-up of the existing police and fire boards to improve accountability.

The document also suggests reforming the youth justice system to "deal more effectively with those young people and their families whose welfare is at risk because of their persistent offending".