Figures released by the Office of National Statistics have revealed that unemployment in Scotland rose by 4,000 over the three months to September.
The number of people out of work in Scotland is fast approaching the 200,000 mark, having reached 194,000 in the last three months.
The number of people out of work increased by 4,000 to 194,000 and unemployment is now 67,000 higher than this time last year.
The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance this month also went up by 2,200 compared with the previous month to 134,800, and is nearly 47,000 more than a year ago.
Scots Secretary Jim Murphy said: "These latest figures are a reminder that the Scottish economy continues to suffer because of the worldwide economic crisis.
"Today's figures are a real blow for those who have lost their jobs.
"While much of the talk is about the recession coming to an end, it has just started for some families who have lost their jobs."
But he insisted UK Government measures were having a "critical" impact in supporting people during the downturn. he said: "If the Government had decided to stand by and take no action at all unemployment would now be substantially higher."
However, the figures also show that Scottish employment and unemployment rates still outperform the UK as a whole.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "Last month we published our renewed comprehensive economic recovery plan to maintain our focus on supporting jobs and tackling unemployment. The plan is supporting 15,000 jobs across Scotland and helping people who have lost their job get back into work.
"To date, it has played a key role in ensuring that Scotland continues to have a lower rate of unemployment and higher rates of both employment and economic activity than the UK as a whole, which has now been the case for every month of this administration.
"While this week's PMI survey showed that Scotland was the only part of the UK to record positive employment indications last month, and today's figures show a further easing in the rate of growth in unemployment, there can be absolutely no grounds for complacency. We continue to do everything possible to help individuals who have lost their jobs in this recession."
"Our draft budget for 2010-11 delivers yet more support for employment. And with growing support across the Parliament, we are urging the Chancellor to use his Pre-Budget Report to let us to build on the positive results of accelerating capital spending into this year. By allowing us to do the same next year, the Scottish Government can continue to support thousands of jobs in Scotland."
