FUNDING cuts are threatening training opportunities for vulnerable

groups of individuals, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

said last night. It claimed local enterprise companies were squeezing

the finance made available under the Training for Work scheme, with

particularly severe consequences for unemployed people who had mental

health problems or disabilities, and ex-offenders, who required special

help. Mr Ian Brown, enterprise and training officer, said the Lecs were

cutting the number of training places available and reducing the weekly

price paid to training providers.