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Jobless figures expected to rise Rise in Scottish jobless figures
(about 3 hours later)
The latest unemployment figures for Scotland released later on Wednesday are expected to show a rise. Unemployment in Scotland increased by 13,000 between July and September, new figures have shown.
The Fraser of Allander Institute will also issue its latest analysis of the Scottish economy - the first since the economic crisis deepened. The Labour Force Survey revealed that 126,000 people were out of work, giving Scotland a 4.7% unemployment rate, compared with a UK rate of 5.8%.
The Scottish Government said it had taken "early and decisive action" to help businesses and households, as well as maximising jobs and investment. Employment rose by 3,000 in the same period, to 2,551,000. The number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants rose by 3,300 in October, to 85,400.
Labour said ministers were not doing enough to tackle the economic slowdown. Ministers said funding for a service to help those facing redundancy had risen.
There are significant difficulties coming our way in the British and Scottish economies Scottish SecretaryJim Murphy class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=5633&edition=1&ttl=20081112075452">Are you having a job finding work? Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "Regardless of what the figures show, the British government is determined to do absolutely everything possible to support those who are newly unemployed get back into work. The Jobcentre Plus rapid response service, which provides support for people who face losing their jobs as part of a large-scale redundancy, would have its funding increased from £3m to £6m, the UK Government said.
"And also continue with the efforts to support those who are long-term unemployed and those on incapacity benefit, of whom there are far too many in Scotland, who want to work but haven't been given the chance." It's essential that we don't wait for someone to lose their job before we start to help but get the ball rolling before it happens Scottish SecretaryJim Murphy class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=5633&edition=1&ttl=20081112075452">Are you having a job finding work? The service will be offered to every employer notifying 20 or more redundancies and in local communities disproportionately affected by multiple smaller-scale redundancies.
Mr Murphy said Labour was acting to deal with the economic downturn. Jim Murphy, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: "The Scottish economy has enjoyed a sustained period of success, but we can't afford to assume this will continue.
He added: "In circumstances where there are large-scale redundancies, the amount of investment by the UK Government in Job Centre Plus will double in recognition of the fact that there are significant difficulties coming our way in the British and Scottish economies." "It's essential that we don't wait for someone to lose their job before we start to help but get the ball rolling before it happens.
"This will mean we can offer this service anywhere in Scotland that might be affected by large-scale redundancies or the cumulative effect of smaller-scale redundancy."
The Fraser of Allander Institute will later issue its latest analysis of the Scottish economy - the first since the economic crisis deepened.