“With unemployment in Scotland outpacing the rest of the UK, these figures show serious difficulties for many people across Scotland. Unfortunately, this looks like only the beginning of the impact on the local labour market and flattening the unemployment curve will be a significant but essential challenge.
“Government support measures have helped to protect many jobs and firms, but more direct help - including grants and extension of business rates relief – may be needed as initial support starts to phase out.
“We know unemployment falls unevenly, across geographies and social groups. Business must work closely with government to ensure that everything is done to create new opportunities, especially for young people, in order to prevent a lost generation of Scots workers.”