Asylum seekers are not allowed to work in Scotland

The first minister is in discussion with the UK Home Office on measures to boost immigration into Scotland.

At present all work permits for the UK are issued from an office in Liverpool.

Jack McConnell wants to be able to grant more work permits in Scotland, as part of his plan to attract more skilled workers.

Talent pool

The measure is part of the Fresh Talent initiative, to be announced in the spring.

It is also expected to include new information packages for overseas students and entrepreneurs who want to settle in Scotland.

The news has been welcomed by the Scottish Refugee Council.

However, it said that if Mr McConnell really wants to increase Scotland's talent pool, he should be trying to persuade the Home Office to allow Scotland's 6,000 asylum seekers to work while they are awaiting a decision on their future.

Last year, Mr McConnell announced that he wanted to work with foreign students to encourage them to stay in Scotland after they graduate.

The latest population figures for Scotland showed that it had declined to 5.05 million.

The Registrar General for Scotland, Duncan Macniven, said the declining birth rate and emigration could cause the population to fall to 4.84 million by 2027.