Purvis casts doubt on unemployment figures

10.43.30am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Sep 2008

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis MSP said:

“I am concerned that these figures potentially do not capture the true extent of unemployment in Scotland.

“In recent years many industries, particularly hospitality and construction, have relied heavily on migrant workers.

“I am not convinced that migrant workers unable to find work will have stayed in Scotland and claimed jobseekers allowance, even if they are eligible. These figures, therefore, may not show the true extent of jobs within the economy and the picture may be considerably worse.

“Accurate unemployment figures are essential for the real picture of the economy. The Enterprise Minister must ensure that he works with the Scotland Office to produce an accurate picture of jobs in the economy.”