Report to the People
 7th March 2005

Still as Fresh One Year On?
The First Minister couldn’t have picked a better place to mark the first  anniversary of the Fresh Talent Initiative than our own IBM.

For many years, way before any government drive, the plant’s international call centre has employed staff from around the globe.  Indeed, the bus stop at the end of my road is like the United Nations some mornings.

Mr McConnell’s visit to IBM allowed him to discuss the attractions of (and the barriers to) coming to work in Scotland with exactly the sort of young, enthusiastic people our economy needs.  

For example, many of those the First Minister met last week have been in Greenock for years, contributing to our economy and community.  But have we taken the time to engage with them?  Are our shops and restaurants selling the food they want?  Can they go to see films in their own language, or must they traipse all the way to the film theatre in Glasgow?  Do we make any effort to celebrate their national days?

Despite what the usual suspects will try to tell you, the fact is that, with our declining and aging population, we badly need more people working hard in and contributing to our economy.  And while, in the long term, we must develop for ourselves the skills which these workers bring and make it more attractive for promising young Scots to remain here, becoming the first choice for top overseas talent will give us that much needed influx now.

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