Figures released last month show that, while the number of people on the dole has fallen in Scotland, it has risen in the town.

Now a Barrhead MPis urging action on a national level to get resaidents in to work and off jobseekers’ allowance.

MP Jim Murphy said: “The latest unemployment figures have some good news for Scotland and the rest of the UK, but Barrhead is being left behind and this is unacceptable.

The UK and Scottish Governments need to do more to encourage job creation in the local area.” In Barrhead unemployment has risen to 3.3 per cent of the population, with more than 330 local residents registered as looking for work, while many more remain unemployed.

The unemployment rate is also well above the East Renfrewshire average of 2.2 per cent.

More than 100 of those out of work are aged between 18-24 The news comes a week after Jim joined local businesses and other community leaders to launch the Our Community East Renfrewshire work experience programme in which scores of local businesses and charities are offering voluntary, unpaid placements to young unemployed people to provide experience which, increasingly, employers are insisting on in a competitive market.

Jim added: “It is great to see so many local businesses offering our young people placements during this difficult time.

“These figures show more than ever why such an initiative is necessary and hopefully together we can help our young unemployed get work.” Employment in East Renfrewshire has increased to 971 people claiming Job Seeker’s allowance (an increase from 909) and currently stands at 2.2 per cent while unemployment in Scotland has fallen to 195,000 (a decrease of 3,000).

Unemployment in Barrhead has risen to 338 at a rate of 3.5 per cent, above the East Renfrewshire average.