STUC on Labour Market Statistics

June 14th 2017

STUC on Labour Market Statistics

June 14th 2017

Commenting on the unemployment figures for Scotland Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

“While the headline unemployment figure looks positive, too great a focus on this single measure risks missing the wider and ongoing problems within the Scottish labour market. Inactivity continues to rise, meaning that not everyone disappearing from the unemployment figures is in fact finding work. The quality of work continues to be a problem, with a rise in insecure work, zero hours contracts and underemployment. With inflation rising faster than wages, living standards are once again beginning to fall, something that will only add to the already rising poverty rate in Scotland.

“There is much that needs to be done to make our labour market work better. The Scottish Government should focus on the quality of work and should be doing everything in its power to drive up wages and living standards, beginning in the public sector by abolishing artificial wage restrictions, but also through public procurement contracts and the promotion of fair work.”

ENDS

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