BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACTION PLAN

West Lothian’s Jobs Task Force was established in June 2018. It is a partnership which includes the UK and Scottish Governments, Scottish Enterprise, West Lothian College and West Lothian Council. 

The key objective of the Jobs Task Force was to directly support the creation of over 450 high-value jobs in key sectors by 2021. By February 2020, the partnership had supported over 600 new high-value jobs in local firms across life sciences, technology, engineering and manufacturing.

Responding to the immediate economic challenges presented by Covid-19, the Jobs Task Force partnership met virtually in May 2020 and agreed to develop an Economic Recovery & Growth Action Plan.

The partnership decided that the Action Plan will have two overarching outcomes:-

• The safeguarding of at least 1,750 local jobs. Protect businesses, supply chains, families and communities. Help avoid negative outcomes, including extra pressure on Universal Credit/Rent or mortgage arrears/other debt. Support will be targeted at those firms with the ability and viability to recover
• The creation of at least 500 new, higher-value jobs. Enable those sectors which can recover, grow and prosper to create sustainable and inclusive opportunities for the West Lothian economy and our citizens. Support targeted at firms with the opportunity, ability and credibility to generate jobs.