The Scottish National Party has launched a sharp attack on Labour's economic record, claiming that electing a Labour government in Edinburgh would represent a direct "threat to Scottish jobs."
Pointing to Westminster's Record
SNP economy spokesman Dave Doogan pointed to UK-wide unemployment data as a warning for Scotland. He stated that joblessness has risen since Labour took power at Westminster in 2024, a trend he believes would be replicated north of the border if Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar wins the upcoming Holyrood election in May.
According to figures compiled by the House of Commons Library from the Office for National Statistics, the UK unemployment rate increased from 4.2% in the three months before the 2024 general election to 5.1% in the three months to October 2025. This represents an increase of 352,000 people out of work.
SNP Blames Labour Policies for "Crisis"
Mr Doogan attributed this rise to specific Labour policies, including the increase in employer national insurance contributions and what he termed a tax on Scotland's energy sector. "The UK jobs market has significantly weakened under the Labour Government," he said.
He contrasted this with the situation in Scotland, where the most recent unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, though this is a 0.2 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2024. Doogan argued this demonstrates the success of John Swinney's SNP government in keeping unemployment lower than the UK average.
"It shows the Labour Party is a threat to Scottish jobs, can't be trusted on the economy, and could undo the success... in creating jobs and reducing unemployment in Scotland to the lowest levels in Britain," Doogan asserted, urging voters to "vote SNP at the Scottish elections in May to sack Keir Starmer."
Government and Labour Hit Back
A UK Government spokesperson defended its record, stating: "There are over 350,000 more people in work this year." They highlighted a £1.5 billion investment to deliver apprenticeships and workplace opportunities, alongside an investigation into youth unemployment led by Alan Milburn.
Scottish Labour offered a robust rebuttal, turning the SNP's criticism back on them. A spokesperson said: "After nearly two decades in power, the biggest threat to jobs in Scotland is an SNP government that has run out of ideas."
They accused the SNP of "waste and incompetence" and claimed Labour's plans for an additional £10.3 billion for Scotland would offer a new direction for an economy they describe as "not growing."
The exchange sets the stage for a fiercely contested economic debate as Scotland approaches the May election, with employment figures becoming a central battleground.
