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Labour market statistics
17/06/2009
Commenting on today's Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Market Statistics, Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said:
"These figures demonstrate that the employment impact of the global recession is continuing, and that we face very challenging economic times.
"They show an increase in the claimant count of 3,500 on the previous month, and while Scotland maintains a higher employment rate, lower unemployment rate and higher economic activity rates than the UK average, today's figures underline the importance of Scottish Government action to keep people in work or help workers regain employment.
"The 0.2 per cent decline in economic inactivity in Scotland - compared to a 0.2 per cent increase UK-wide - is at least a welcome indicator as it shows that people are remaining within the labour market system.
"The survey-based ILO estimates show a bigger increase, and the Scottish Government have intensified our measures to address the situation. Just this week we published an update of our Economic Recovery Programme, which focuses on our key interventions to support jobs and communities, strengthen education and skills, and invest in innovation and the industries of the future.
"The sectoral breakdown shows that employment in construction has increased by 1.4 per cent in Scotland in the year to March. In the UK construction employment declined by 0.2 per cent over the same period.
"The Scottish Government's measures are clearly having a substantial effect in supporting the construction sector during what are very difficult times. We have accelerated £293 million of capital spending, increased investment in affordable housing, and our overall Economic Recovery Programme has the capacity to support up to 15,000 jobs in Scotland.
"The decline in manufacturing employment indicates that the recession has fallen heaviest on that sector, as world trade has declined.
"The recession clearly continues to bite hard, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to position Scotland's economy for a strong recovery, and attract investors to create new jobs.
"But the UK Government must recognise that its proposed £500 million cuts in Scottish spending next year threatens 9,000 Scottish jobs - exactly the wrong course of action in these challenging times."