More needs to be done to help construction sector, claims MSP David Stewart
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OVER a quarter of all unemployed construction workers in the Highland Council area are based in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
The figures released from Official Labour Market Statistics show that out of 205 people out of work in the Highland Council region, 60 are from the constituency.
The worst affected area were carpenters and joiners with 25 people currently out of work.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart said it is essential that the Scottish Government provides more assistance to the industry to reverse the slowdown in economic growth.
"Economic growth in the Highlands depends upon an active construction sector, he said. "Failure to invest in our housing, schools and our health service means a dearth of work for this highly-skilled industry.
"This in turn impacts upon the fortunes of supporting sectors, and small and medium-sized businesses.
"Construction is an essential part of the Highland economy."
