Scottish jobless rise prompts calls for tax restraint

Business leaders call on government to rein in planned tax increases after figures show 32,000 fewer Scots in employment

The Scottish government is facing renewed pressure from business leaders to temper its plans for income tax rises after the jobless total increased and inflation rates rose.

Derek Mackay, the Scottish finance secretary, is expected to unveil modest tax increases for higher earners in Holyrood's budget on Thursday to fund a public sector pay increase, higher NHS spending and more childcare spending.