Despite the First Minister’s claims that austerity has not worked, statistics on the economy for Scotland show a much different story:

More Jobs:

·Overall employment in Scotland has risen by 175,000 since May 2010 and at over 2.6 million is near record levels.

·Unemployment is down 61,000 since the election in 2010.

·There are a record number of women in work in Scotland and employment levels for women increased by 98,000 since the government came into power.

·Youth unemployment of the 16-24 year olds has come down by 14,000 over the year to 68,000 – the lowest level in over four years.

·The Jobseeker’s Allowance claimant count in Scotland is down 51,000 - or 38% - since the last general election.

·Three private sector jobs have been created for every lost public sector job since the last general election.

·DWP work programme has helped 32,620 people in Scotland escape long-term unemployment and get into lasting work (at least six months); since June 2011.