Job creation success story - The Edinburgh Reporter

Among Fort Kinnaird’s 70 shops and restaurants, participating employers at the Fort Kinnaird Recruitment and Skills Centre have included Marks & Spencer, JD Sports, Odeon, Fat Face and Primark.

Fort Kinnaird’s recruitment and skills centre has helped 3,200 people into work over the past five years.

It was formed in five years ago with the support of parent company British Land in partnership with Capital City Partnership, City of Edinburgh Council (including Business Gateway), Department for Work and Pensions (Jobcentre Plus), East Lothian Council, East Lothian Works, Midlothian Council and Skills Development Scotland.

Participating employers have included Marks & Spencer, JD Sports, Primark, Odeon and Fat Face.

Liam Smith, centre director said: “Thousands of people visit Fort Kinnaird every day, but few realise the huge contribution the centre makes to local families, the surrounding neighbourhood and the wider Scottish economy.

“Our investment in the community is creating a significant positive impact.

“We’re particularly proud to have worked with our partners to help more than 3,000 people back into work through the local Recruitment and Skills Centre at Fort Kinnaird, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year.”