Commenting on statistics released today, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:
"This is the third consecutive quarter that unemployment has risen substantially in Scotland; proof, if any was required, that 2009 will be a immensely challenging year for the Scottish economy. Scotland's performance relative to other nations and regions of the UK does not provide any grounds for complacency. It must be remembered that these figures do not include recent redundancies such as those announced yesterday at Eddie Stobart and Vion.
"The package of measures announced this week to get credit moving again must be successful for the economy to stabilise. The UK Government must be ready to act again if necessary. Budget 2009 must include additional, targeted fiscal stimulus if the situation doesn't improve.
"The Scottish Government must urgently redouble its efforts to ensure that maximum assistance is provided to the unemployed and workers at risk of redundancy".
ENDS
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