Helen Liddell: "Policy is working"

Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell said: "Today's unemployment figures hit a record low. Last month's breakthrough has been built upon.

"Figures released today show continuing record low levels of unemployment and record high levels of employment."

The UK Government has preferred using the International Labour Organisation unemployment figure, which includes people not eligible for benefit.

That fell by 16,000 over the quarter from November to January, to 160,000, a jobless rate of 6.2%.

Compared to the equivalent period one year earlier, ILO unemployment fell by 23,000.

The Labour Force Survey showed the number of people in employment in Scotland in November to January was 2,398,000 up 21,000 compared to the previous quarter.

'Fair employment'

The employment rate among those of working age was 74%.

Mrs Liddell said: "The fact that we are closing the gap in employment rates in the UK and Scotland shows Government policy is working.

"A combination of sensible, stable economic management with fair employment policies have transformed the prospects for thousands of Scots."

Scottish National Party enterprise spokesman Kenny MacAskill said nationalists welcomed any fall in unemployment.

However, Mr MacAskill said Scotland still has the "third highest" unemployment rate among the nations and regions of the UK.

He said: "Of particular concern is the loss of jobs in manufacturing industry.

"The latest figures show that the number of people employed in manufacturing - 290,000 - remains at an all-time low, as London Labour's policies further erode Scotland's industrial base."