The lockdown to save lives is creating an “economic emergency” as the first unemployment figures since the coronavirus pandemic hit Scotland show an increase.

The figures show a jump of more than 16,000 in the jobless total for January to March but only account for just one week of the lockdown.

When the next figures for April, May and June are released later this summer, they will undoubtedly show thousands more have lost their job as a result.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister acknowledged the measures to protect health and save lives have created another crisis but were necessary.

Ms Sturgeon announced more help to get people back into work after the lockdown.

She revealed an additional £33million to support people back to work.

It would be prioritised at people most affected by the lockdown and will target lone parents, young people and disabled people.

Unemployment in Scotland is now at 4.5% which the First Minister said is “historically still low”.

She added however,: “This period only extends to the end of March and does not reflect the full economic impact of the pandemic.”

She said there was a continued need for government action.

Ms Sturgeon said: “”We know that the essential public health measures that we have had to take to deal with what is a public health emergency are in themselves creating an economic emergency.”

Alister Jack, UK Government, Scottish Secretary, said:“As expected, the impact of coronavirus is now starting to show in the labour market statistics and will do for some time to come. The UK Government is doing everything in its power to protect the livelihoods of Scottish people during this unprecedented pandemic and will continue to do so.

“Our Job Retention Scheme has ensured thousands of people in Scotland continue to get paid while they are unable to work and this is in addition to the £3.7 billion package already given to Holyrood to help tackle the crisis. These actions mean the UK economy will be able to bounce back when circumstances allow.”

Ms Sturgeon also revealed the latest coronavirus update as she prepares to release further details, on Thursday, of how the lockdown could be eased in Scotland if numbers continue to show a fall.

It could mean some outdoor work restarting later this month and a change to the restrictions in meeting people from other households.

Another 29 deaths were registered with a positive test for coronavirus taking that total, so far, to 2134.

There were another 61 new cases, taking the total to 14,655 since the outbreak began. There were 1447 in hospital an increase of 20. of that 969 were confirmed cases, which was a drop of 36, and 478 were suspected cases.

There were 59 people in intensive care a fall of four.

In the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, which has had the highest numbers, which includes East and West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, east Renfrewshire and Inverclyde as well as Glasgow the number of cases increased to 3759. There were 428 in hospital and 20 in intensive care.

Glasgow and Grampian, with six, are now the only health board areas with more than four cases in intensive care.

Lothian, with 187, is the only other health board with more than 100 still in hospital.

In Lanarkshire there are 95 in hospital, Grampian, which includes Aberdeen has 84, while Fife has 74 in hospital.