Commenting on the news that the Scottish rate of unemployment was unchanged at 5.9% in the three months to April, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Although the unemployment rate has not changed, there were more than 13,000 jobs created in April and the number of people in employment has now increased by over 78,000 in the past year. These are impressive results for Scotland’s economy.

“After a subdued start to the year, there are now signs that growth in the Scottish economy may be accelerating again. A number of reports over recent weeks have pointed towards a strengthening jobs market, with businesses competing hard for the available skills.  Together with some signs of increased business investment, this creates a landscape better equipped to sustain growth and the creation of new employment opportunities.

“However, we do need to see a strong message from the Chancellor in his Summer Budget that the UK Government is committed to supporting the potential for growth in key sectors.  Our tourism sector needs to be as competitive as it can be internationally and we would welcome a move by the Chancellor to reduce the level of VAT applied to tourism and hospitality activities, as a positive move forward to level the playing field between the UK and other European countries.”