MSPS will today launch an investigation into claims 270,000 Scots are underemployed, and the impact this has on their families.

Holyrood's economy committee will look at the repercussions on people and the wider economy of individuals not working as many hours as they need to get by.

Part-time workers seeking a full-time job, a second job or more paid hours in their existing job are considered underemployed.

A TUC study found 270,510 Scots were underemployed, on average, throughout 2012. The figures equates to one in 10 of the workforce.

Last week's latest unemployment figures showed a further 204,000 Scots were out of work – a headline jobless rate of 7.6%.

The figures showed a steep drop of 19,000 in the number of people unemployed from August to September, but also 27,000 fewer people in a job.

The pattern – against a backdrop of continuing economic gloom – suggests thousands of Scots are taking part-time work or leaving the workforce altogether to study, care for family members or simply retire early.

Murdo Fraser, the convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, said: "Unemployment figures are routinely used as a temperature check on our labour market.

"Recent unemployment statistics show a drop in those that are unemployed, but evidence suggests that these figures mask a more complicated picture, with underemployment on an upwards trend.

"Little is known about the impact of this trend on our economy and on those that are underemployed."

The Tory MSP added: "The inquiry will also consider what actions business, the public and third sector and the Scottish Government can take on underemployment without having the unintended consequences of increasing unemployment".

MSPs will take evidence from economists, trade unionists and business leaders.

They will examine the causes of underemployment, its cost to the economy and possible steps to help people.

The TUC has claimed underemployment causes similar hardship to unemployment.

Some families relying on part-time work have also been hit by benefit changes, which raised the threshold for Working Tax Credits. Since April, couples have had to work 24 hours per week between them to qualify for the £3870 credit.

It is believed many have failed to increase their hours from the previous threshold of 16 hours to maintain their benefits.

Stephen Boyd, assistant secretary of the STUC said: "We are delighted the committee is undertaking this inquiry.

"The problem of underemployment is under-recognised. We are often told that unemployment should be higher given the state of the economy but demand for labour is still weak and that is reflected in the underemployment figures.

"The fact that so many people are not able to work the hours they need to make ends meet is having a significant impact on families. The impact on the economy is obvious. If people do not have enough cash they are not spending. It is a vicious circle."

The TUC's analysis showed the underemployment rate has soared from 7.7 % in 2008 to 11% this year. The total has jumped from 194,445 to 270,510.

Across the UK, just fewer than 3.3 million were underemployed this year, up from 2.3 million in 2008.

Scotland has not been hardest hit, according to a league table of 12 UK nations and regions.

Northern Ireland, the West Midlands and eastern England have lower underemployment rates. The worst affected areas are Wales, with an underemployment rate of 13%, the East Midlands and north-west of England.