A social enterprise venture planning to relocate to Craigmillar has been hailed for the “outstanding” work it does helping disadvantaged people get into employment.

Kenny MacAskill backed the move by Forth Sector, who are soon to move to the disused industrial estate at Duddingston Yards.

“I can't sing their praises highly enough,” said the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MSP, who recently met with Forth Sector chiefs.

“The things they do for people with mental health problems, disabilities and confidence issues are outstanding.

“It's going to benefit people from all over the city. But it's also going to help people specifically in Craigmillar in that they'll have the use of the enterprise's employability hub.”

The third sector company is set to build an employment training facility on the site, along with businesses created to provide supported workplace opportunities.

The £2million project, backed mainly by Scottish Government's Scottish Investment Fund, will allow Forth Sector to train people who have experienced difficulties finding employment - primarily those with mental health issues, - as well as providing work experience in one of their businesses, all on site.

A number of Forth Sector's established enterprises, including Niddrie-based firm Edinburgh Embroidery Services, will move to Duddingston Yards, creating 80 new jobs and helping up to 500 a year people get back into work.

“I think Forth Sector have done a great job. Businesses everywhere are facing difficult and challenging times but they’re still succeeding,” added Mr MacAskill.

Craigmillar residents got their first chance to see plans for the purpose-built facility last Tuesday (February 8) when Steve Baxter, who is in charge of the company’s five businesses, spoke to the community council.

“We’re intending that there will be an offer of employment in the area,” said Mr Baxter. “We’re in touch with the Neighbourhood Partnership and all its various offshoot organisations, including the community council, the partnership’s Health and Wellbeing sub group and the Cyrenians homelessness charity.

“As a charity ourselves we want to help to make disadvantaged people more employable. We set up work placements in functioning businesses which gives people something to put on a CV.

And it doesn't necessarily have to be full time work. We can give individuals training and support in different ways, for example focusing on interview skills.”

Neal Mackay, deputy CEO of the company, added: “Forth Sector is a pioneering organisation - we were one of the first to have a model offering work placements like we do.

“Our employability hub will be replicable and genuinely sustainable. As a social enterprise we don’t rely on potential grant support - we need to be as sustainable as possible.”

Maureen Munro from Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce commented on Forth Sector’s success: “As a social enterprise they’re in greater control. When you’re dependent on grants you can get public sector cuts that can affect your business.

“And they’re not scared to make the big decisions which is great. They’ll have done a good business plan to back this up.”

Related links Forth Sector