First Minister warns of economic emergency
Nicola Sturgeon says today's unemployment figures show Scotland is an economic emergency.
The UK total went over 2 million in April to the highest since 1986, with more than 850,000 people in the UK signing up for Universal Credit in the first full month of lockdown.
The count in Scotland increased from around 100,000 to 113,000 in the first three months of the year.
The First Minister stressed Scotland's unemployment rate, which is currently 4.1%, was "relatively low'' by historical standards.
But she warned the figures "do not reflect the full economic impact of the pandemic but undoubtedly further demonstrate the need to carefully get our economy moving again as quickly as we are able to do that safely''.
She said the Scottish Government would try to minimise any coronavirus-related increased in unemployment.
"We are determined to do everything we can to protect Scotland's workforce, to minimise as far as we can the increase in unemployment, and also to ensure that we are ready for a sustainable recovery,'' she told the briefing.
Announcing new funding, the First Minister said: "We will be investing a further £33 million to support people back to work as we gradually get the economy opened up again''
She said "most'' of the funds would go to the Fair Start Scotland scheme, and would "have a particularly focus on helping those most adversely affected'', including young people, disabled and lone parents.
"Today's action represent a further step in helping us to do that.''
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, the First Minister announced more help to support the mental health and wellbeing of parents and carers.
All parents and carers will now be given access to an online programme which allows them to "learn what their child may be going through and to develop nurturing, supportive relationships'', Ms Sturgeon said.
She also stressed: "One of the most important things to remember during Mental Health Awareness Week for all of us is that it is OK sometimes not to feel OK, and that when that is the case help is available if you need it.''
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