SCC Comment On Latest Rise In Unemployment

Tuesday 21st February 2012

Commenting on the news that Scotland’s unemployment levels have risen by 16,000 to 231,000 in the three months to December, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“This latest rise in unemployment highlights the continuing pressures facing Scottish business against a background of ongoing economic uncertainty.  Our own survey evidence suggests that the final quarter of 2011 was an exceptionally difficult one for many businesses and a general lack of optimism may hinder significant employment growth in the early part of 2012.

“That is why it is essential for the Scottish and UK Governments to put the private sector first and to recognise that it is only business that can reverse the current trend of rising unemployment, as more staff are lost from the public sector.  In particular, Scottish Chambers of Commerce are working with the Scottish Government and our members to tackle the worrying growth of youth unemployment which is damaging the development of the skills that Scotland will need to reach our full growth potential in the years to come.”

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