Jobless figures expected to rise

Rise in Scottish jobless figures

The Scottish economy is facing tougher times ahead

Unemployment in Scotland increased by 13,000 between July and September, new figures have shown.

The Labour Force Survey revealed that 126,000 people were out of work, giving Scotland a 4.7% unemployment rate, compared with a UK rate of 5.8%.

Employment rose by 3,000 in the same period, to 2,551,000. The number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants rose by 3,300 in October, to 85,400.

Ministers said funding for a service to help those facing redundancy had risen.

The Jobcentre Plus rapid response service, which provides support for people who face losing their jobs as part of a large-scale redundancy, would have its funding increased from