Glasgow is enticing more workers, according to Scottish Enterprise

Chief Executive Ron Culley said the figure illustrated its ambition to improve the city's fortunes.

He said Scottish Enterprise Glasgow met all 22 of its targets last year and it would continue to improve Glasgow's UK and European standing.

But Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan expressed concern about the number of low-paid workers.

The figure was revealed at SE Glasgow's annual meeting in the city's Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Mr Culley said Glasgow was well placed to increase its productivity and improve its economic performance.

'Raise the bar'

"If we are to continue to grow and develop Glasgow's position as an important city, by UK and European comparisons, we must show ambition and make sure that we can compete effectively," he said.

"Every area of our activity is focused on improving Glasgow's fortunes, form new approaches to training in trades and professions, to helping local companies to grow by improving their ability to compete."

Its annual report also highlighted:

• Glasgow being named Intelligent Community of the Year, seeing off six global competitors

• The development of the Clyde waterfront project

• Confirmation of Pacific Quay as a national Digital Media Centre, with work starting on BBC Scotland's new headquarters.

Mr Culley said Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council were determined to continue developing the city.

Scottish Enterprise chairman Willie Haughey said he wanted it to "raise the bar" every year.

Low wages

Mr Sheridan said while the Scottish Socialists welcomed new jobs for the city, they were concerned about the number of low pay posts.

"We continue to have great concern over low wage rates being paid for new jobs in the area," he said.

"There is an increasing problem of a working poor section of the population in Glasgow which won't be solved by increasing the number of low-paid jobs."