There were 2.637 million people aged 16 and over in employment between October and December last year.
Figures from the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute report suggest the industry is worth £1.8bn.
Respondents to bank survey blame latest reduction in permanent job placements on Covid-19 lockdown measures.
The jobs crisis is far from over despite the Government’s ‘bold’ measures, said the Resolution Foundation.
Around 100 workers at the Wabtec plant in Kilmarnock are at risk of redundancy.
The number of Scots in work jumped by 37,000 in the run-up to Christmas, official figures show.
Since 2009, Real Jobs Falkirk has supported youngsters with additional needs from Carrongrange High School.
Car group's two remaining sites are sold following administration.
Office for National Statistics data also show a fall in the number of Scots out of work
The city of Dundee is in the bottom ten in the UK rankings, and is ranked last in Scotland.