Jobless divide 'historical' says MSP

A SENIOR MSP said yesterday's figures reflected a "historic" problem in Scotland and showed that the country was divided over jobless levels.

John Wilson, the SNP deputy convener of Holyrood's economy committee, right, said: "These figures clearly indicate the historic position of Scotland, with places such as Glasgow and North Ayrshire compared to areas such as Aberdeenshire.

Mr Wilson said that despite 13 years of UK Labour government, the levels of joblessness in the worst places had not been tackled.

"Scotland has been divided for the last 50 years, and Tory and Labour governments have failed to address high unemployment in North Ayrshire and Glasgow.

"Clearly there is much to be done, and the UK government has got to take responsibility to tackle unemployment and poverty in these deprived areas."