PEOPLE from other European Union countries will be given support to stay in Scotland after Brexit the First Minister has said.

Nicola Sturgeon met with construction workers helping build a £14m housing development in Easterhouse and housing staff to launched the Stay in Scotland campaign.

She told them the Scottish Government will do “everything it can” to help them stay in the country.

Ms Sturgeon spoke to workers at the site of more than 100 new homes at Auchenlea Road being built by GHA and Provanhall Housing Association.

She said: “It is vital for our communities and our economy that EU nationals know they are welcome and will be supported to stay in Scotland.”

With the UK due to leave the EU in under a week the First Minister wrote a second open letter to EU nationals having issued on immediately after the EU referendum in 2016.

As a delayed Brexit date approaches Ms Sturgeon said she wanted to reassure people they are wanted in the country.

In the letter, Ms Sturgeon said: “Scotland is your home, you are welcome here and you are valued.

“You play a crucial role in Scotland’s economy and public services. You are a vital part of Scotland not just for the skills and talent you bring to our country but also the diversity and richness you bring to our culture and communities.”

Fears have been raised over the ability of the NHS and care sector to staff hospitals and health services if people form other EU countries choose to leave the UK after Brexit.

Other industries like construction, agriculture and hospitality also depend heavily on staff coming from other countries to fill vacancies.

The First Minister criticised the UK government for “years of indecision” over the status of EU citizens and the requirement citizens to apply for settled status.

She said while Scotland does not have power over immigration it has a history of welcoming people of all nationalities.

She said: “We will do everything we can to help you to stay.

“We will continue to argue for further change as necessary to the UK Government’s Settlement Scheme. And we will provide practical advice directly and through businesses and community groups.”

She said the Scottish Government has put together a package of help for those who want to apply for settled status.

The package includes £250,000 of dedicated resource for community based support across Scotland