STUC on Unemployment Figures

November 11th 2009

STUC on Unemployment Figures

November 11th 2009

Commenting on the labour market statistics published today, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

"Today's figures confirm another substantial rise in Scottish unemployment and it must be noted that the rise in both International Labour Organisation (ILO) and claimant count unemployment is proportionately higher in Scotland than for the UK as a whole.

"As Mervyn King noted at today's Inflation Report press conference, the economic outlook remains profoundly challenging. Bank lending will remain constrained for up to three years and there is a genuine danger of a prolonged period of deflation.

"Therefore it is essential that both the UK and Scottish Governments address the challenge of rising unemployment effectively through the ongoing budgetary process. The Chancellors Pre Budget Report must contain stimulatory measures to replace the VAT cut and the Scottish Government must target spending at keeping people in jobs and retraining for the upturn".

ENDS

For further information contact

Stephen Boyd 0141 337 8100