 Concerns have been voiced over manufacturing jobs |
Scotland's jobless total has increased by 4,000 over the last three months, according to the latest statistics. The number of people out of work rose to 149,000 in the three months to the end of May, up 0.2% to 5.7%.
Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling said the figures were "disappointing" - but stressed the country's Labour market was in a position of strength.
However, the Scottish National Party said the unemployment problem was "far greater" than the figures showed.
The statistics published by the Scotland Office said unemployment was 7,000 down on the same period last year, despite the rise over the last quarter.
The number of people in employment fell by 6,000 over the quarter but increased by 22,000 over the year.
There were 86,400 people claiming job seekers allowance at the end of June, a fall of 300 from the previous month and down 5,400 over the last 12 months.
Mr Darling said: "Whilst disappointing, the latest quarterly rise in unemployment and fall in employment levels have to be taken in context.
"The overall picture of the Scottish labour market is one of strength.
"In the eight years since May 1997 the number of people in employment in Scotland has risen by 185,000 while there are around 61,000 fewer people unemployed."
He said the Labour government had brought economic stability and suggested that the prospects for the Scottish economy were strong.
However, SNP economy spokesman Jim Mather MSP said: "The true extent of Scotland's unemployment problem is far greater than the figures reveal.
"Including the economically inactive, Scotland's real unemployment is more than double the suggested figure published today, at 12.5%.
"This month, we have 149,000 people unemployed and another 200,000 people who are classified as 'economically inactive' but who would like to work."
He also pointed out that the number of manufacturing jobs had fallen by 2,000.
"This is yet another signal that the government needs to put Scotland's manufacturing sector on a more competitive footing," he said.
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The overall picture of the Scottish labour market is one of strength
