Surge in Scots claiming benefits
The number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance in Scotland has
risen by 43,600 over the past year.
Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures revealed 112,600 people were
claiming benefit in February, a monthly rise of 8,900.
In the three months to January, unemployment in Scotland was 135,000, up
3,000 over the year.
The number of people out of work across the UK has risen to 2.03
million, the highest total since 1997.
Commenting on the figures, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said: "These
are bad figures and a real blow to the families affected.
"We will do whatever it takes to support the newly unemployed to stop
them becoming the long term unemployed."
“ Our labour market continues to substantially outperform the rest of
the UK ”
First Minister Alex Salmond
The Scottish unemployment rate remains lower than the UK average, which
now stands at 6.5%.
The figures were published as First Minister Alex Salmond addressed the
national economic forum in Edinburgh, a gathering of business, trade
union, local government and voluntary sector figures.
Mr Salmond said: "Today's unemployment figures show that our labour
market continues to substantially outperform the rest of the UK.
"Unemployment in Scotland rose by 3,000 over the year, compared with a
UK-wide increase of 421,000.
"Nonetheless there can be no doubt that Scotland is suffering the
effects of global economic downturn and that is why we are doing
everything in our powers to support jobs through the economic recovery
programme."
Grahame Smith, general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress
(STUC), said there was no room for complacency.
"The STUC believes that strong action is required at Scottish, UK and
G20 level to address the deteriorating economy and labour market," he
said.
"The Scottish Government must redouble its efforts to ensure that there
is a comprehensive package of support available to assist the unemployed
and those at risk of redundancy.
"This should include targeted, short-term wage subsidies and training
support."
The jobless total is the ILO measure of average unemployment for the
three months to January. The 135,000 figure was 1,000 higher than the
equivalent figure for the three months to October 2008.
Statistics have also been released for the number of people employed in
the public sector in Scotland.
In the final quarter of 2008, there were 579,300 public sector
employees, an increase of 1,200 compared to the same period in 2007.
Public workers represented 22.9% of the total Scottish workforce.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.
Published: 2009/03/18 12:45:31 GMT
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Posts
