Commenting on today’s labour market statistics which show a rise in unemployment of 13,000 in Scotland over the quarter to September 2008, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:
“These worrying statistics only add to the accumulating body of evidence indicating that the downturn is more rapid and severe than anticipated. Urgent action is required at both UK and Scottish level to support workers who have lost, or are in danger of losing, their jobs.
“Next week’s Pre Budget Report should target any tax cuts at low paid workers and also raise the level of unemployment benefits. Not only is this consistent with a fairer society, such targeted measures are the surest way of providing a stimulus to the economy.
“When the STUC meets with the First Minister tomorrow, the Scottish Government’s readiness to meet the challenges of growing unemployment will be high on the agenda. It is essential that Local Authorities, Skills Development Scotland and the enterprise networks are all keenly aware of their roles and responsibilities at this difficult time.
“The STUC will also press the First Minister to ensure that the Scottish Government’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative is fit for purpose”.
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