Steps must be taken to get Scotland working again

Unemployment figures released today have revealed that unemployment in Scotland has risen by 19,000 to 231,000. It means that Scotland's unemployment rate is 8.6% which for the second quarter in a row is above the UK average of 8.4%.

Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said:

"These unemployment figures are very concerning as they confirm that Scotland is still underperforming compared to the rest of the UK. In previous quarters when this wasn't the case, the SNP quickly claimed credit and I hope that they now accept culpability for these disappointing figures.

"We must now take steps to reverse this increase and get Scotland working again, and it is time that the SNP woke up and started to use the considerable powers they already have at Holyrood.

"It is also vital that next week's budget prioritises the economy in avoiding tax increases and avoids funding cuts to those areas that can help grow the economy."

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