Rise in job skill problem to be probed

a HOLYROOD committee today launched an inquiry into the number of people forced to find part-time jobs which don’t make proper use of their skills.

The Scottish Parliament’s economy committee wants to know what impact the problem of “underemployment” has.

Committee convener Murdo Fraser said: “Unemployment figures are routinely used as a temperature check on our labour market. Recent unemployment statistics show a drop in those that are unemployed, but evidence suggests that these figures mask a more complicated picture, with underemployment on an upwards trend.

“Little is known about the impact of this trend on our economy and on those that are underemployed. The inquiry will also consider what actions business, the public and third sector and the Scottish Government can take.”