SNP WELCOME FALL IN SCOTTISH UNEMPLOYMENT

SNP WELCOME FALL IN SCOTTISH UNEMPLOYMENT

UK GOVERNMENT RISKS ECONOMIC RECOVERY WITH CUT

SNP Work and Pensions Spokesperson, John Mason MP, has welcomed the latest employment statistics which show a slightly improving picture in Scotland but warned that slashing Scotland’s budget by £814m jeopardised the fragile economic recovery and called for no more cuts in the 2010/11 Budget.

Mr Mason’s comments came as the latest statistics from the ONS showed a small decrease, with 600 less people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in Scotland - the first fall in the Scottish claimant count since February 2008, and since before the start of the recession.

Rates of employment and economic activity in Scotland remain better than the UK average. Over the three month period to January 2010, ILO unemployment levels in Scotland increased by 16,000 with the ILO unemployment rate rising to 7.6 per cent. The UK ILO unemployment rate was 7.8 per cent over the same period.

Commenting, Mr Mason said:

"Every job loss is felt in local communities, and the London parties are letting Scotland down. Labour are already imposing zero stimulus this year by withdrawing the support package, while Tory proposals to cut even further and faster add up to negative stimulus. Both these approaches risk Scotland’s fragile recovery.

"The SNP are calling for a positive stimulus package to support jobs and recovery.

"The Scottish Government's Economic Recovery plan is making a real difference, but - until Scotland gains fiscal independence - support must also be forthcoming from the London Treasury.

"The UK Labour Government ignored SNP calls to continue the acceleration of capital spending, and now they are dealing a real blow to the Scottish economy with a massive £814m cut to the Scottish Budget. We must have guarantees that there will be no further cuts so

"Only the SNP will champion economic recovery and jobs in Scotland, which is why Scotland needs SNP MPs. More Nats, mean less cuts from Westminster.”