Margaret Curran will today visit Greater Easterhouse Regeneration Agency to highlight the importance of helping people off benefits and into work. GERA runs a number of employment and training services, helping people get into work.

Margaret Curran said:

"The vast majority of people not in work want to be in work. We need to create new jobs, find the right jobs for people, then support the transition into those jobs.

"Today I met some inspirational people who have each moved from a life on benefit into work. These people say they would never turn back – and I want to help others do the same.

"I passionately believe that everyone should get the chance to work and no-one should be written off. After decades of rising numbers on Incapacity Benefit we are now seeing people come off benefits and into work, but there is so much more to do.

"If someone can work then they should be offered every help they need to find a job, but everyone must take responsibility to get themselves ready for work.

"The UK government has been piloting programmes in Glasgow to help people get back to work, and I am calling for additional support for the East End."

David Cairns MP said:

"While the priority of the SNP is to break up Britain, Labour's priority is to help people into work. The unemployment rate in the East End has halved under Labour, and the number of people on incapacity benefit is falling, but there is more to do."