Commenting on the news that Scottish unemployment has risen by 5000 over the three months to September, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
'It is extremely disappointing that Scottish unemployment has risen for the second consecutive month. Whilst it is important to remember that our overall unemployment rate of 8% is still marginally below the UK average, the fact remains that economic conditions remain challenging in Scotland. Growth remains extremely shallow, business and consumer confidence are low and the potential fall out from the Eurozone crisis is of extreme concern.
'Against this background, it is important that Government continues to work to ease the barriers to business growth. Cost pressures must be addressed, starting with the impending increases in next year's business rates bills and mitigation of fuel prices. The Scottish and UK Governments must signal a clear timetable for capital investment in our transport infrastructure, our international connectivity must be developed through reining back on Air Passenger Duty and there needs to be a coherent plan to deliver superfast broadband to business and domestic customers across Scotland.
'Scotland cannot afford for skilled individuals to remain unemployed for any length of time and we need to give our businesses the support needed to get these people back into work as soon as possible.'
