Commenting on the latest labour market statistics Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:
"It is encouraging that employment continues to increase in Scotland. The growth through 2013 is substantial and the rise in women finding work is particularly welcome.
"However no one should underestimate the very significant challenge that remains in returning both the employment and unemployment rates to pre-recession levels.
"It is also important to note that today's statistics do not include any new information on the quality of jobs created or indeed the performance of real wages in Scotland which of course continue to decline at UK level"
ENDS
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