Local unemployment still falling while Scotland's rises

5.00.00pm GMT Wed 20th Jan 2010

Jo has welcomed news of falling unemployment in East Dunbartonshire, but warned the Government not to rest on its laurels.

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in East Dunbartonshire fell to 1,118 in December from 1,142 the previous month. December was the fourth month in a row when unemployment has fallen in East Dunbartonshire, and while the claimant count for the whole of the UK finally began to fall, the figure for Scotland continues to rise.

Gordon Brown adopted a celebratory tone in Prime Minister's Questions today, saying "Unemployment is falling today as a result of the actions we have taken."

Commenting, Jo said:

"I am pleased that unemployment in East Dunbartonshire has continued to fall for four months now, and I hope this will continue in the year ahead.

"However, I am deeply concerned at the Prime Minister's triumphalism today, when the number of people unemployed in Scotland is still rising. It is highly insensitive to all of those people who are still struggling to find jobs.

"Now is not the time for the Government to be resting on its laurels where unemployment is concerned. The Labour Party should not be taking the people of Scotland for granted."