Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that Scotland's unemployment figures have increased by 7,000 over the past quarter.

 

Scottish unemployment rates are currently standing at 7.9%, below the UK average of 8.1%. Labour market statistics show that employment in Scotland dropped by 24,000 over the quarter, but increased by 20,000 over the year, standing at 2,474,000.

 

The employment rate for Scotland is now recorded as 71.2% - when the UK average is 70.4%.

 

The Scottish government said that the Scottish labour market still outperforms the UK with lower unemployment, higher employment and lower economic inactivity rates.

 

First Minister Alex Salmond said that the figures show an urgent need for Westminster to deliver what is being termed a "Plan MacB" approach to ensure that Scottish recovery "was not derailed by Westminster's wrong-headed economic policy".

 

Mr Salmond said "A Westminster 'Plan MacB' must deliver real action in the areas where Scottish government policy is making a difference - increased capital expenditure, improved access to finance for medium and small-sized businesses, as well as the introduction of measures to boost consumer confidence and economic security.

 

"Recent job announcements by Aker, Avaloq, Dell, Gamesa, Amazon and Doosan Power Systems are testament to the quality workforce, skills and infrastructure we have in Scotland."

 

 

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said "The UK government is doing all it can do to support the economy and our plan to reduce the deficit is the right one, particularly when we see the way difficult economic circumstances are affecting other countries."