Scot Lib Dems slam Scotland's poor employment figures

Responding to the latest Scottish Government Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates for March to May 2023 which indicate that over the quarter the unemployment rate increased, while the employment rate decreased and the inactivity rate increased, Scottish Liberal Democrat finance spokesperson John Ferry said:

"This poor economic performance should be setting alarm bells ringing in Bute House. Fewer Scots in work means less tax revenue to support public services.

"The Scottish Government's must squeeze every penny at their disposal to get the economy growing and boost jobs and investment.

"Businesses that I speak to are worried about rising costs, the steady creep of Scottish Government regulation and the hopeless handling of major projects like the deposit return scheme. The First Minister has promised a reset with business but that needs to be more than warm words.

"From business rates reform to a real skills agenda, there are a host of issues in the Government's in-tray if they want to show they are serious about delivering a highly skilled, high wage economy."