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Rise in benefit claimants slows Rise in benefit claimants slows
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Latest unemployment figures reveal just 300 more people claimed Jobseeker's Allowance in Scotland last month, suggesting a slowdown in job losses.Latest unemployment figures reveal just 300 more people claimed Jobseeker's Allowance in Scotland last month, suggesting a slowdown in job losses.
But the broader measure of unemployment that includes those not on benefits rose more sharply.But the broader measure of unemployment that includes those not on benefits rose more sharply.
The number of people in Scotland seeking work from June to August rose by 13,000, to 192,000.The number of people in Scotland seeking work from June to August rose by 13,000, to 192,000.
That was a steeper rise than across the rest of Britain, where unemployment figures stayed below the 2.5m mark.That was a steeper rise than across the rest of Britain, where unemployment figures stayed below the 2.5m mark.
But the Scottish employment rate stands at 74%, which is still above that of the UK and almost all countries within the EU.But the Scottish employment rate stands at 74%, which is still above that of the UK and almost all countries within the EU.
Those looking for work over the three-month period, though not necessarily on benefit, represent 7.1% of the workforce.Those looking for work over the three-month period, though not necessarily on benefit, represent 7.1% of the workforce.
It is clear that for those who have just lost their jobs the recession is still all too real Jim MurphyScottish secretary CASE STUDY Angela Robson, from Erskine
Angela lost her job in car finance with Lloyds a few months after her husband was made redundant.
"I had a company car so that's obviously been affected. I had a pension scheme. I had life cover so if anything happened to me, my children would have benefited. All those benefits have gone now," she said.
"We'd already had a restructuring a year ago. Everything seemed quite stable within Lloyds and they were a profit-making bank. Now I'm looking and thinking I'm going to have a change in the sector I work in.
"You are doing sums in your head, wondering how you are going to pay the bills. I've got two children, one at university, one at school. You don't want to let them down. They've got expectations and dreams that you've always tried to support.
"You try to turn the anger into something positive but you are thinking you are one of many looking for the same job. It's difficult to remain positive all the time."
Those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance now stands at 132,600, or 4.7% of the workforce.Those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance now stands at 132,600, or 4.7% of the workforce.
Jim Murphy, the secretary of state for Scotland, said: "These latest figures show the economic downturn continues to have a serious effect on the Scottish labour market.Jim Murphy, the secretary of state for Scotland, said: "These latest figures show the economic downturn continues to have a serious effect on the Scottish labour market.
"Despite that, I know that the measures the UK government have taken and the continuing support for the economy are working."Despite that, I know that the measures the UK government have taken and the continuing support for the economy are working.
"The increase of 300 people claiming unemployment benefit is better than in previous months but still a real blow to the families who have lost their jobs."The increase of 300 people claiming unemployment benefit is better than in previous months but still a real blow to the families who have lost their jobs.
"While economists debate whether the recession is nearly over, it is clear that for those who have just lost their jobs the recession is still all too real.""While economists debate whether the recession is nearly over, it is clear that for those who have just lost their jobs the recession is still all too real."
Meanwhile separate figures published by the Scottish government showed that in almost a fifth of all households no-one was working.Meanwhile separate figures published by the Scottish government showed that in almost a fifth of all households no-one was working.
The SNP can no longer afford to focus on narrow nationalism at the expense of the tens of thousands of Scots who have lost their jobs Alistair CarmichaelLib Dem Scottish affairs spokesman
Statistics from 2008 revealed that 17.3% of households were classed as workless - meaning there were no adults of working age in employment.Statistics from 2008 revealed that 17.3% of households were classed as workless - meaning there were no adults of working age in employment.
That was slightly higher than the previous year, but the figure varied across the country.That was slightly higher than the previous year, but the figure varied across the country.
For instance, in Glasgow the number of workless households was 28.9%, while in Aberdeenshire it was 9.2%.For instance, in Glasgow the number of workless households was 28.9%, while in Aberdeenshire it was 9.2%.
The 2008 figures also showed that 13.7% of children across Scotland - almost one in seven youngsters - were living in workless households, but this rises to 24.5% of children in Glasgow.The 2008 figures also showed that 13.7% of children across Scotland - almost one in seven youngsters - were living in workless households, but this rises to 24.5% of children in Glasgow.
'Fairer society''Fairer society'
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "This new publication brings into sharp relief the impact of unemployment on individuals.Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "This new publication brings into sharp relief the impact of unemployment on individuals.
"Last year, over one in six households had no working adult and almost one in seven children lived in a workless household.""Last year, over one in six households had no working adult and almost one in seven children lived in a workless household."
He pledged: "This government will continue to do all we can to create the right conditions for economic growth and deliver the wealthier and fairer society that Scotland deserves."He pledged: "This government will continue to do all we can to create the right conditions for economic growth and deliver the wealthier and fairer society that Scotland deserves."
However, Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem Scottish affairs spokesman, said the figures should be "a wake-up call for the SNP".However, Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem Scottish affairs spokesman, said the figures should be "a wake-up call for the SNP".
"They can no longer afford to focus on narrow nationalism at the expense of the tens of thousands of Scots who have lost their jobs," he said."They can no longer afford to focus on narrow nationalism at the expense of the tens of thousands of Scots who have lost their jobs," he said.
"Alex Salmond has to realise that those who are suffering in the recession have much more immediate and pressing concerns than constitutional issues.""Alex Salmond has to realise that those who are suffering in the recession have much more immediate and pressing concerns than constitutional issues."