Motherwell and Wishaw MSP John Pentland has said that he is very concerned about local unemployment figures.

The July figure for unemployed claimants in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency was 3,026 – 194 higher than a year ago and an increase of 114 on the previous month.

John Pentland said:

“These figures are deeply worrying. Clearly the UK government policy is having a negative impact on the economy, and Scottish Government policy is not doing enough to protect and create jobs.

“We urgently need a new approach that does more for constituencies such as Motherwell and Wishaw, where unemployment is among the highest in the UK.

“The news that many of those joining the dole queue are young people is especially concerning. Both George Osborne and John Swinney need to rethink their strategies and adopt policies that promote growth and job creation.

“The Scottish Government should broaden the Future Jobs Fund, increasing apprenticeships and green jobs, and make faster progress on infrastructure.”