The Scottish unemployment rate is 7.4%, which is below the average of 7.8% for the whole of the UK.

The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 19,000 over the three months from November 2012 to January 2013.

he number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,483,000.

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, said: "The rise in Scottish employment is good news for people in Scotland and their families and provides further optimism in our economy’s ability to weather the global challenges it faces."

Jobs website Totaljobs.com said the rise in the number of people in work was mostly down to government training schemes.

Steve Clark, regional manager for Totaljobs.com in Scotland, said: "The jobs market in Scotland has continued to improve but at a marginal rate.

"What little job creation there has been over the last few months has largely been based on government training schemes, part-time work and self-employment.

"Let's hope that the Scottish Government’s plan to create new jobs by investing £10billion in capital projects and funding rates relief provides the stimulation needed to return unemployment figures back to pre-recession levels."