Scottish unemployment rises again

The number out people out of work increased to 212,000

Unemployment in Scotland rose by 7,000 in the three months to April, official figures have shown.

The number of people out of work now stands at 212,000 - 35,000 more than in the same period last year.

Despite the rise, the number of jobless adults claiming benefit fell 1,000 to 134,000 in May, the Office for National Statistics said.

The Scottish unemployment rate now stands at 8.0%, which is above the UK rate of 7.9%.

Across Britain, unemployment increased by 23,000 between February and April to 2.47 million.

Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said: "It is disappointing to see the Scottish labour market continuing to decline.

"This government's aim is to get people back into work as quickly as possible and we will use all means at our disposal to make that happen quickly and effectively."