STUC reveals big rise in long-term joblessness

Long-term unemployment has more than doubled over the past two-and-a-half years, unions claimed yesterday.

The number of Scots on the dole for more than a year jumped from 9,110 to 21,170 between January 2008 and July this year, according to research carried out by the Scottish Trades Union Congress.

The rise was branded "shocking" by general secretary Grahame Smith, who called on the Scottish Government to redouble its efforts to support the unemployed.

STUC analysis of official statistics showed a four-fold jump in some council areas, with none seeing any fall. Mr Smith said: "These figures are shocking. The massive rise in long-term unemployment we reveal provides a sharp and timely rejoinder to those still arguing that the labour market has performed well over the recession.

"An abundance of evidence confirms that long-term unemployment is an individual and family tragedy, and a huge economic and social cost to society.

"With unemployment, long-term unemployment and long-term youth unemployment all continuing to rise in Scotland, it is essential that government at all levels redoubles its efforts to keep people in work and provide effective support to the workless."

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The analysis confirms a rise in long-term unemployment of 132 per cent across Scotland between January 2008, when the number of jobseeker's allowance claimants was at its pre-recession lowest, and July this year.

The steepest rises were found in the Borders, which rose 475 per cent from 60 to 345, East Lothian, up 420 per cent from 50 to 260, and South Lanarkshire, up 416 per cent from 285 to 1,470.

Even the best-performing areas, such as Orkney (33 per cent) , Moray (35 per cent) and Inverclyde (36 per cent), registered rises. Edinburgh (185 per cent ), Glasgow (111 per cent) and Aberdeen (90 per cent) registered steep jumps whilst Dundee saw a rise of 49 per cent.