The number of people out of work in Scotland rose by 13,000, or ten per cent, between September and November last year, according to the latest figures.

That brings the total number of unemployed to 138,000.

The figures also showed there are close to 100,000 people claiming jobseekers allowance.

The latest rise comes on top of rises in the previous set of monthly figures in December.

Jim Murphy, the Scottish Secretary of State, said the labour market north of the border fared better than the whole of the UK, with a lower unemployment rate and higher economic activity.

"I know that many people are worried about losing their jobs. We will do everything possible to support the newly unemployed from becoming the long term unemployed," he said.

The number of people claiming jobseekers' allowance rose by 5.4% on the previous month, and now stands at 97,600 -  26,000 more than a year ago.

On this measure, the unemployment rate is 3.5% while on the other measure it is 5.2%.

Jim Mather, Scottish Enterprise minister, said: "Survey evidence predicts a difficult year ahead for business. The major issue we hear from the business community is the lack of credit available to good companies."

He pledged to continue pressing this issue with major banks and with Westminster.

"What this downturn illustrates is the pressing need for the Scottish Government and Parliament to secure borrowing powers and full financial responsibilities," he said.