North Ayrshire Labour have set out their plans for a stronger local economy – that will create over 1000 new jobs in North Ayrshire.

Labour’s ambitious economic development policies will put inclusive growth, which benefits the many, at its heart.

The party’s plan includes; Support for the Ayrshire Growth Deal

An economic masterplan for Kilbirnie Lochshore (which the current Labour administration have invested more than £200,000 to develop)

Doubling the number of local employability hubs to 6 – one in each locality area Continued investment in town centre regeneration

A marketing co-operative to promote local businesses

An Industrial Strategy for North Ayrshire to bring back manufacturing jobs

The expansion of co-operative and community ownership models with a new co-operative business advisor

Support ‘Pop-up Shops’ which will offer free, short term leases on vacant council owned properties in our high streets for people to test new businesses

In addition, Labour have set out plans to support young people into work.

Labour’s offer to local young people include; A new North Ayrshire Youth Guarantee – the guarantee of a positive destination for all 16 and 17 year olds

A new North Ayrshire Skills Forum that will bring together schools, employers and skill providers to assist young people into positive destinations

The expansion of the Council’s modern apprenticeship programme

Investment in transitional support into Higher and Further Education for our school leavers.

Labour Group Leader Joe Cullinane said; “As the only party at this election to have published a full manifesto, we have set out our plans to create new jobs.

“Our plan will build on some of the great work that the Council is currently doing to grow our economy by being ambitious on manufacturing and innovative in seeking to grow co-operative and community ownership models.

“We are making a particular commitment to support our young people into work. Since taking over control of the Council, following the SNP’s resignation, we have said that tackling inequality would be our overarching aim."