Unemployment in Scotland rose by nearly 3000 in August, according to figures published yesterday.

Unemployment in Scotland rose by nearly 3000 in August, according to figures published yesterday.

A new Scotland Office report showed the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance is up by 2600 to 78,000 last month.

At that level it is 4000 more than a year ago, although the unemployment percentage rate, at 2.8%, is still close to a historic low, the Scotland Office said. But according to the International Labour Organisation measure, unemployment was down 4000 over the last quarter, and by 18,000 over the year.

On the broader measure of unemployment, the rate in Scotland is 4.2% compared to a UK-rate of 5.5%.

Scottish Secretary Des Browne called the latest figures "encouraging". "At a time when economies throughout the world are facing challenging conditions, we can take heart from a fall in both quarterly and annual unemployment, reflecting the underlying strength of the Scottish economy," he said.

"We don't underestimate the scale of the challenge and we understand that ordinary working people are feeling the pinch, which is why we have launched housing support and energy efficiency packages.

"But Scottish employment has reached historic highs in recent months and we will do all we can to maintain this while providing support for those out of work through programmes like the New Deal."

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather added: "The Scottish economy continues to show resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty.

"The challenge is to ensure we build on our strengths and give Scots the opportunity for well paid and rewarding employment."