Commenting on today’s labour market statistics which show a rise in unemployment of 22,000 in Scotland over the quarter to October 2008, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: “As Christmas approaches, these worrying statistics only add to the growing economic insecurity of workers in Scotland. Urgent action is required at both UK and Scottish level to support workers who have lost, or are in danger of losing, their jobs. “The UK Government should fulfil its 2005 manifesto commitment to review the limit at which statutory redundancy pay is calculated. Job Seekers Allowance should also be increased to £75 a week to bring it back into line with its 1997 value. Whilst supporting those hit hardest by recession, these measures also constitute an efficient stimulus to the contracting economy. “The STUC continues to be concerned over the Scottish Government’s readiness to meet the challenges of growing unemployment. It is essential that Local Authorities, Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Enterprise are all aware of their roles and responsibilities at this difficult time. Urgent action is required to ensure that the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative is fit for purpose”. ENDS
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