Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray has called on the Scottish Government to introduce a budget for jobs and the economy as the SNP prepare to publish their 2009 budget.

Mr Gray said the SNP should match the ambition shown by Labour at Westminster by bringing forward investment in new schools and hospitals, provide more money for skills and retraining and protect vital public services.  

Iain Gray said:

"Alex Salmond's complacent response to the credit crunch has been very disappointing. Scots are looking to the Scottish Government to provide ambitious leadership to protect jobs. It is now several months since I proposed a 15 point plan of actions which the Scottish government could take and should take.

"Most people appreciate that we are all in this together. Labour has played its part to protect jobs, putting £2 billion in the pockets of Scottish families to stimulate the economy. Interest rates and VAT have been cut and protection put in place to help those with mortgage difficulties.

"We need to see similar ambition from the Scottish Government at Holyrood. They should help businesses by ending the uncertainty over a local income tax and create jobs by bringing forward investment in new schools, hospitals and houses, without wasting any more time trying to make their so called 'Futures Trust' work.

"2009 is a year when Scots desperately need serious action from the SNP government not more bluster, spin and excuses. The budget is their first key test. Labour and the Parliament has made clear that John Swinney must change his budget in the face of the economic situation. This means more money for skills and retraining, and protection for vital public services.

"I am ready and willing to offer Scottish Labour's support for any serious proposal that will boost the economy, but if the SNP's budget puts jobs and services at risk we will not support it."

7 December