News

STUC analysis shows shocking rise in long-term unemployment

14th September 2010

The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance for over 12 months has increased dramatically in Scotland since the labour market peaked in early 2008. Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) analysis of official statistics looked at the number of people claiming JSA for over 12 months in January 2008; the month in which the number of JSA claimants in Scotland was at its pre-recession lowest. It then looks at similar statistics for July 2010 and the percentage increase in Scottish local authority areas.

STUC on unemployment statistics

15th September 2010

Speaking as official labour market statistics confirmed that unemployment in Scotland rose by 25,000 to 239,000 over the quarter to July 2010, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary, Grahame Smith, said: “The ongoing and steep rise in unemployment is a social and economic disaster for Scotland. Eventually the penny might drop with politicians that the country is experiencing a crisis of high and rising unemployment, low growth and low revenues. As more and more commentators are beginning to accept, we are not in a crisis of the public finances.

STUC on Vince Cable Conference Speech

22nd September 2010

STUC on Vince Cable Conference Speech Commenting on Vince Cable’s widely trailed speech to the Lib Dem Conference, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary, Grahame Smith, said:

EUROPEAN TUC DAY OF ACTION 29th September 2010

28th September 2010

**There is a Better Way** To mark European TUC Day of Action STUC is supporting a range of protests, events and stunts across Scotland. STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “These actions indicate a stepping up of trade union and community opposition to UK Government austerity measures and local cuts.

STUC call for urgent action on childcare in Scotland

29th September 2010

The Scottish Government today (29th September) published its annual Pre-School and Childcare statistics. Whilst there is a slight increase in nursery places, the figures show a decline in playgroups, in out of school clubs, crèches, and children and family centres.

STUC on Liam Fox’s snub to the defence workforce

30th September 2010

Commenting on the decision by Liam Fox to exclude trade unions from tomorrow’s meeting to discuss the Scottish cross party submission to the Defence Review, Grahame Smith said: