Scotland's unemployment total rises by 20,000

Unemployment in Scotland rose by 20,000 between December and February to stand at 171,000, according to official figures.

UK unemployment rose by 21,000 to 1.7 million over the same period.

The Scottish jobless rate is now 6.2%, compared with 5.1% for the UK as a whole.

Employment in Scotland fell by 21,000 over the three months, and stands at 2,610,000.

The rate is 73.9%, below the UK average of 74.1%

The number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) fell by 600 to 57,000 from February to March.

The claimant count level, which includes Universal Credit, was up 200 over the month at 71,400.

Analysis

By BBC Scotland business and economy editor Douglas Fraser

The latest Scottish job statistics are disappointing, though in the context of a positive jobs picture.

The British economy is far from functioning normally, and that will remain the case while interest rates stay locked in the basement - but the labour market has been doing something right.

Read more from Douglas here.

The Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland (FSB) said the statistics "should focus minds for those pounding pavements on the Holyrood campaign trail".

Scottish policy convener Andy Willox added: "Our research shows Scottish small business confidence faltering.

"Firms are dealing with a raft of new challenges, including the National Living Wage and pension auto-enrolment deadlines.

"While many parts of Scotland continue to do well, too many communities still suffer from the mistakes of the past, while some local economies face new challenges for which they seem unprepared."

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) general secretary Grahame Smith said: "With increases in unemployment and economic inactivity driven by a significant fall in employment, today's statistics provide further evidence of the significant slowdown in the Scottish economy over the past year.

"Over the past year, unemployment has increased and employment has fallen. Unemployment as measured by both rate and level is more than 50% higher than its trough in early 2008. The employment rate fell by 1% over the last quarter.

"It is difficult to find cause for optimism for a quick turnaround in the Scottish economy."