The Scottish National Party has accused Labour of posing a "threat to Scottish jobs" ahead of May's Scottish elections, pointing to rising unemployment across the UK since the party took office at Westminster in 2024.
UK unemployment has climbed from 4.2% to 5.1% since Labour came to power, with 352,000 more people out of work, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. The SNP uses these numbers to warn voters against backing Anas Sarwar in the upcoming election.
Dave Doogan, the SNP's economy spokesman, blamed Labour policies for the jobs crisis. "The UK jobs market has significantly weakened under the Labour Government, and the UK now faces a growing unemployment crisis as a result of damaging Labour Party policies like the national insurance tax hike and the thousands of Scottish jobs Keir Starmer is destroying in Scotland's energy sector with his tax on Scotland's energy." he said.
The SNP claims its government under John Swinney has created jobs and reduced Scottish unemployment to 3.8%, the lowest in Britain. Doogan argued a Labour government in Edinburgh could undo this success. "It shows why it's vital to vote SNP at the Scottish elections in May to sack Keir Starmer, protect Scottish jobs and secure a fresh start with independence." he said.
Government and Labour hit back
A UK Government spokesperson defended Labour's record, highlighting job growth. "There are over 350,000 more people in work this year, with the rate of inactivity at its joint lowest in over five years." the spokesperson said.
The government announced £1.5 billion in investment for 50,000 apprenticeships and 350,000 workplace opportunities for young people. Alan Milburn is leading an investigation into youth unemployment causes.
Scottish Labour dismissed the SNP's claims, attacking the party's nearly two-decade record in power. "After nearly two decades in power, the biggest threat to jobs in Scotland is an SNP government that has run out of ideas." a spokesperson said.
The party criticized SNP "waste and incompetence" and claims it will invest an additional £10.3 billion for Scotland. "People across Scotland can see the reality after 19 Swinney budgets – an economy that isn't growing, public services on their knees, and families being left behind." Scottish Labour added. "Scotland needs a new direction, and only Scottish Labour can deliver it."
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
