A Falkirk councillor is “deeply concerned” that ladies can be given preferential remedy with regard to coaching alternatives linked to the brand new Forth Green Freeport.
Conservative councillor James Bundy mentioned it was “not equality” and “men who have worked hard and earned their qualifications should not be discriminated against”.
The Forth freeport can be based mostly round renewables manufacturing, different fuels, carbon seize and shipbuilding, in addition to a brand new artistic hub.
It will profit from tax reliefs and different incentives utilizing powers at each the Holyrood and Westminster ranges in an effort to stimulate financial development.
The Forth challenge contains the ports at Grangemouth, Rosyth and Leith, in addition to Edinburgh Airport and a web site at Burntisland.
It is predicted to draw as much as £6bn of funding and create 50,000 jobs – together with 20,000 from operations in Grangemouth.
Read extra: Scotland to realize two new freeports in Firth of Forth and Cromarty Firth following profitable bids
A report back to Falkirk Council’s govt final week said that with out direct motion there can be disproportionately extra jobs for male staff (77%) and fewer jobs for youth (8%) and folks with disabilities (12%).
Efforts to deal with the imbalance embody disability-inclusive hiring practices in addition to commitments to colleges’ outreach, apprenticeships, scholarships and bursaries.
To assist potential candidates take advantage of the alternatives, there can be a devoted abilities fund for native folks to realize the talents to entry them.
It was confirmed within the council report that entry to the funding for abilities bursaries can be prioritised for girls by means of preferential scoring in purposes.
‘This isn’t equality’
Mr Bundy welcomed the alternatives supplied by the freeport however aired his considerations.
Reading out an announcement, he informed the assembly: “The creation of opportunities for skills and developments and local employment should be open to everyone.
“Therefore, I’m deeply involved that in part eight of the report, the equalities part, it says, and I quote, ‘entry to funding for abilities bursaries can be prioritised for girls by means of preferential scoring in purposes’.
“This is not equality. It’s another speech, but true equality is to make changes in our education system that gives everyone, man or woman, an equal opportunity to participate in STEM subjects. It is not to give women preference in access to funding for skills bursaries.
“Men who’ve labored laborious and earned their {qualifications} shouldn’t be discriminated in opposition to. The greatest particular person for the job, for the coaching, ought to be provided the job or the coaching.”
Mr Bundy agreed that the Forth port was an “thrilling alternative for Grangemouth, the broader Falkirk space, Scotland and the United Kingdom”.
He added: “It exhibits the alternatives that may open when the UK and Scottish governments work collectively for the frequent good.
“Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to create high-skilled, high-paid local jobs by ensuring that these opportunities are open to all and that economic gains strengthen our communities.”
Forth Green Freeport was contacted for remark.
Source: information.sky.com”