Dundee’s churches have joined together to provide their own solution to the city’s unemployment crisis.
Against a backdrop of poverty and fears that a lost generation of young men and women are struggling to find work, they are looking to establish a new social enterprise.
Church organisations and community partners have been speaking to young adults who have told them unemployment is one of the greatest challenges facing the city.
They have also made worrying claims about the lack of support available to help them find work.
The Presbytery of Dundee now plans to take steps to address the issue by providing vital employment opportunities for young people.
Its project would combine with the efforts being made by Dundee City Council, charities and other organisations such as Dundee and Angus College and would involve increasing the use of church and hall space for community and commercial use.
There would also be the chance to learn skills by working on the maintenance of church buildings and grounds.
A spokesman said: “It is envisaged that the social enterprise would provide employment opportunities in the various roles that need fulfilled by the churches. This would address the issue of unemployment in the city.”
Recent research carried out by Faith in the Community Dundee, Shelter Scotland and Craigowl Communities on behalf of the Dundee Partnership and Dundee Fairness Commission found that 53% of those surveyed thought unemployment was a key issue for Dundee.
The majority of those were in the 18-24 age group. More than half of those who took part also identified a lack of support to gain employment.
Councillor Jimmy Black chairs the Dundee Fairness Commission, which is looking at the causes of poverty in Dundee.
He believes the Presbytery’s plan is “worth exploring” and hopes the city churches will work with other agencies, including the council, to ensure there is no duplication of efforts.