Forth Green Freeport has formally signed the IRES 2027+ Pledge, reaffirming its commitment to investing in skills, employability, fair work and inclusive economic growth across the region. As a catalyst for sustainable industrial transformation, Forth Green Freeport is committed to creating high-quality, fair work opportunities and ensuring that people in the local communities have the skills needed to access emerging roles across sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing and logistics.

Through strong partnership working with industry, education providers and regional stakeholders, Forth Green Freeport is supporting the development of a future-ready workforce – aligned to employer needs, fair work principles and Scotland’s ambitions of a net zero economy by 2045.  The Freeport recognises the critical role the IRES Programme plays in strengthening the regional skills pipeline, tackling skills gaps and promoting fair, accessible pathways into employment, progression and lifelong learning.

Speaking about the pledge signing, Sarah Murray, CEO of the Forth Green Freeport, said: “Forth Green Freeport is committed to working in partnership to drive inclusive, sustainable growth that delivers real benefits for our communities. Together with IRES we share a commitment to fair work—ensuring jobs are high-quality, secure and offer opportunities for progression.  By signing the IRES 2027+ Pledge, we are reinforcing our commitment to investing in skills, supporting fair work and creating clear pathways into the high-value jobs of the future.”

Ken Gourlay, Chief Executive of Fife Council & IRES Board Chair said: “ The award-winning IRES programme is delivering real results. Continued investment is vital to sustain and scale this impact, driving our regional economic growth and tackling poverty by aligning skills with industry demand and creating pathways into higher-skilled, better-paid jobs.”