THE STUC has called for an immediate guarantee that the furlough scheme will continue till at least the end of the year for workers in affected sectors.

It comes as unemployment figures have risen in Scotland.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics yesterday showed that Scotland’s unemployment rate increased slightly in the last quarter, up 0.1 per cent to 4.2 per cent.

Trade union representatives raised concerns about the further impact of a pause in reopening the economy, with STUC general secretary Roz Foyer claiming the Westminster must act now. 

The demands come after new research found the number of Scottish teenagers finding work after leaving school has reached its lowest level for a decade in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Ms Foyer said: “By common consent we have yet to see the impact on jobs of this crisis, with major threats across the economy from hospitality through to aviation.

“Job uncertainty is a major threat, and we face the potential double whammy of rising unemployment but also skills shortages in some areas.

“The best antidote to this is a continuing UK-wide furlough scheme dovetailing with an active plan for jobs in Scotland. Continuing business support will be necessary, but this needs to be directly linked to safeguarding jobs and fair work.”

The calls for an extension of the furlough scheme were backed by SNP ministers in Holyrood, who raised concerns about the fall in the number of Scots in work. 

Employment & Fair Work Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It is crucial the UK government keep this scheme in place for as long as it is needed.”

Tory Scottish Secretary Alister Jack claimed his government was fully focused on supporting workers across Britain.