Funding bids to create 2,800 jobs

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Almost 3,000 jobs are to be created for young unemployed people across Scotland after successful funding bids, it has been announced.

A total of 2,838 posts will be created by organisations awarded funding by the UK Government's Future Jobs Fund.

The jobs must pay at least the minimum wage and last at least six months, with 25 hours of work or more a week.

The first of the jobs, which are focused on those aged between 18-24, is expected to start in October.

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said the awards represented an investment of almost £20m.

These are real jobs which will give real help to the long term unemployed alongside the skills, experience and knowledge they need Jim MurphyScottish Secretary

Jobs will be created in every local authority area in Scotland, he added.

Mr Murphy said: "This is great news for Scotland and a significant first step for the Future Jobs Fund. It is a good example of the UK Government acting decisively to tackle youth unemployment to ensure we do not abandon a generation of young people as happened in previous recessions.

"These are real jobs which will give real help to the long-term unemployed alongside the skills, experience and knowledge they need to return to the workforce, providing support where it is needed most.

"We have a huge responsibility to unemployed Scots and we are doing everything we can to make a difference. If we work together, we will get through this recession together."

Bidding process

The first deadline for applications was in June this year, with the bidding process due to continue month by month until April 2011.

The work includes environmental posts, construction, social care and administration roles.

Successful bidders included the Dundee Partnership, Fife Council, Midlothian Council, Angus Council, Scottish Forestry Commission, West Lothian Council, Aberdeen City Council and North Lanarkshire Council.

North Lanarkshire will see the most jobs created with 452 posts, and South Lanarkshire will see 306 positions.

The Future Jobs Fund aims to create 150,000 jobs across the UK, focusing on people aged between 18 and 24 who have been out of work for a year.