Labour market figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that unemployment in Scotland fell between July and September 2016 – though the proportion of Scots in employment also fell over this period.

To boost business confidence and drive growth, FSB is calling for a new programme to improve and repair local infrastructure in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.

A recent Audit Scotland report found that a third of Scotland’s local roads are in an unacceptable condition.

Andy Willox, the FSB’s Scottish policy convenor, said: “Today’s reasonable job figures need to be read alongside other indicators showing declining business confidence and slow growth.

“At both the Autumn Statement and the Scottish Government budget, smaller firms want new plans to improve and repair local infrastructure – like roads and broadband.

“While mega-projects like the new Queensferry Crossing are important, they need to be complemented with public works that help smaller firms service their local economies.

“Further, with £220 million coming to Scotland from the apprenticeship levy, we’re looking for new efforts to boost the wider Scottish workforce’s digital skills.”