CAMPAIGNERS in Scotland have warned that the main impact of unemployment is yet to come unless gaping holes in support schemes are plugged. 

Figures released today show Scotland’s unemployment rate remained steady over the summer, with about 124,000 people seeking work. 

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) warned that the numbers of people out of work were not representative of the challenges facing the public, with an increasing number working insufficient hours and earning less than minimum wage. 

Reports from sectors such as hospitality suggest widespread reduction in hours and pay, and concerns also were raised regarding the end of the furlough scheme this month.

The STUC has now called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to take further measures to protect jobs. 

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “We fear a perfect storm will hit us towards the end of this month with the end of the furlough scheme, inadequate alternatives and a growing sense of confusion over government strategy.

“We desperately need increased support measures in place covering more jobs, with higher levels of government support per job and with no-one falling below the level of a wage they can live on.”

The benefit claimant count among Scots has more than doubled over the past year to 7.9 per cent, with 63,000 fewer employees on the payroll in Scotland in September compared with last year. 

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard appealed to the Holyrood and Westminster governments to co-operate, saying: “It is clear that action must be taken to prevent families and communities falling into poverty.

“With thousands of Scots now off the payroll and the end of the furlough scheme looming, Scotland is bracing itself for a tidal wave of redundancies.”