Labour in election pledge to youth as they launch 100-point manifesto in Glasgow

Apr 11 2012 By Joe McGuire

EVERY 16 to 24-year-old in the city will have a job, education or training, Labour promised yesterday.

The “Glasgow Guarantee” is part of the party’s election manifesto, which was unveiled in Maryhill yesterday.

Extra free childcare, the rebuilding or refurbishment of every primary school and the introduction of a universal travel card have all been pledged by Labour.

The manifesto, called “100 things we will do”, sets out 100 major promises for the city ahead of next month’s council elections, in which Labour face a fierce challenge from the SNP.

In an attempt to end youth unemployment in the city, the council will fund 1000 new jobs for youngsters and recent graduates.

Unemployed over-50s are also set to benefit.

Speaking at the launch, council leader Gordon Matheson said: “Labour has the record, the vision and the team to win the council election in Glasgow.

“I am going to spend every waking hour between now and then fighting for what I believe in: a city that fights poverty, creates jobs, that gives changes to the next generation, looks after the elderly, and has respect and decency for every single person who is blessed to live here.”

Childcare reform will see free childcare at the beginning of the term in which toddlers turn three, which could mean an extra five months of care.

Labour will also work with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and bus companies to integrate public transport via a Glasgow “Oyster Card”, which will remove the need for change to get on buses, local trains and the underground.

Labour pledged to introduce community payback orders that will see low-level offenders cleaning and maintaining residential back lanes in the city.

Those given community sentences by the courts will contribute, under supervision, towards cleaning, maintaining and enhancing areas.

Between April 2011 and January of this year, a total of 17,980 placements were provided under the scheme, equalling a total of 72,020 hours worked.

Matheson said: “The SNP say the council election is a stepping stone to the referendum but no one steps on Glasgow.

“The council election is about local issues and Labour is bringing forward plans that put Glasgow first.”