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Scottish unemployment rises again Scottish unemployment rises again
(about 4 hours later)
Unemployment has continued to rise in Scotland with 188,000 now out of work - an increase of 75,000 on last year.Unemployment has continued to rise in Scotland with 188,000 now out of work - an increase of 75,000 on last year.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics show a rise of 31,000 unemployed during April and June.Figures from the Office of National Statistics show a rise of 31,000 unemployed during April and June.
It represents an unemployment rate of 7% in Scotland, compared with a UK figure of 7.8% - the highest level since 1996.It represents an unemployment rate of 7% in Scotland, compared with a UK figure of 7.8% - the highest level since 1996.
The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance also rose to 130,900 in July, up 2,900 on the month before.The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance also rose to 130,900 in July, up 2,900 on the month before.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said: "Today's figures show the real impact on families of the global economic crisis.Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said: "Today's figures show the real impact on families of the global economic crisis.
"We will do whatever it takes to prevent the newly unemployed becoming the long-term unemployed.""We will do whatever it takes to prevent the newly unemployed becoming the long-term unemployed."
Recovery programmeRecovery programme
Mr Murphy said the government was trying to help the unemployed back to work.Mr Murphy said the government was trying to help the unemployed back to work.
He said: "The British Government has made clear our commitment to supporting the newly unemployed and to getting them back into meaningful employment - a good recent example is the Future Jobs Fund which will give work to 3,000 young Scots."He said: "The British Government has made clear our commitment to supporting the newly unemployed and to getting them back into meaningful employment - a good recent example is the Future Jobs Fund which will give work to 3,000 young Scots."
Scottish Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said the figures underlined the importance of the Scottish Government's economic recovery programme.Scottish Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said the figures underlined the importance of the Scottish Government's economic recovery programme.
Although we are seeing signs of improvement in some economic areas, overall, Scottish business still has a challenging path ahead Liz Cameron, Scottish Chambers of Commerce
He said: "While unemployment continues to rise, Scotland maintains higher employment, lower unemployment and higher rates of economic activity than the rest of the UK.He said: "While unemployment continues to rise, Scotland maintains higher employment, lower unemployment and higher rates of economic activity than the rest of the UK.
"There can be no doubt about the scale of the challenge we face, but the Scottish Government are doing all we can to support employment and stimulate the jobs market, and there have recently been positive announcements.""There can be no doubt about the scale of the challenge we face, but the Scottish Government are doing all we can to support employment and stimulate the jobs market, and there have recently been positive announcements."
Shadow Scottish Secretary David Mundell blamed the UK government for the increase in unemployment.
He said: "In the last year, 75,000 Scots have paid the ultimate price for Labour's economic mismanagement. Scotland cannot afford another year of this. That would open the door to severe, long-term economic and social consequences.
"Scotland needs a UK government that will take responsibility for reinvigorating the economy and that has the new ideas necessary to make that happen."
'Hoping for best'
Liberal Democrat Scottish Affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael accused the UK and Scottish governments of complacency.
He said: "In the last month we have seen jobs shed at Diageo, Whyte & Mackay and further job losses at Lloyds. It is no good wrapping yourself in tartan and hoping for the best. The SNP Government must recognise that Scotland is not immune to the effects of the recession.
"The lack of action so far shows a blatant disregard for the thousands of people joining the dole queue each and every month."
Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce predicted further increases in unemployment.
She said: "The one negative which appears to have peaked is the rate of redundancies, which is now falling, but it does so with a legacy of the current rate being three times higher than a year ago and a ten percent increase in benefit recipients over the period.
"Although we are seeing signs of improvement in some economic areas, overall, Scottish business still has a challenging path ahead, which reflects our ability to continue to employ at our current level. "
Grahame Smith, general secretary of the STUC, said the figures were "stark", adding: "No-one could reasonably accuse either the UK or Scottish governments of complacency in their respective responses to recession. However, these responses increasingly look insufficient to match the scale of the crisis."