SNP Work and Pensions Spokesperson John Mason MP described today’s (Wednesday) labour market statistics, which put unemployment at almost two million as "a grim measure of the Downing Street depression".

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics revealed unemployment increased by 146,000 to 1.97 million between October and December. The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance has now increased for 12 months in a row, up by 73,800 in January to 1.23 million - the highest total since the summer of 1999.

Mr Mason said: "The jump in the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, and the record number of redundancies, are a grim measure of this Downing Street depression.

"The bad news just seems to keep coming and these appalling labour market figures underline Gordon Brown’s failure to get a grip on the economic crisis.

"The Prime Minister will convene yet another talking shop today but what is really needed is action to help people who have lost or are at risk of losing their jobs."