A higher percentage of workers in Scotland are now relying on zero hours contracts than any other UK nation.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that from October last year to March this year the number of Scots relying on such contracts increased from 94,000 to 105,000.
That means 3.9 per cent of the Scottish workforce does not have set hours from week-to-week - compared to a UK average of 3.4 per cent.
Roz Foyer, general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), described the increase as "damning" and repeated her call for the devolution of employment law to the Scottish Parliament.
The ONS figures also found the value of wages in Scotland has dropped three per cent in real terms on average due to rampant inflation.
Economic inactivity in Scotland - a measure of people unavailable for work - has risen to 22 per cent, a higher level than the UK figure of 21 per cent.
Foyer said: “This release from the ONS makes for grim reading as Scotland is crowned the worst nation in the UK for the use of zero-hours contracts.
"Reaching record levels of 105,000, employers are using these contracts to deny workers basic workplace rights, exerting control and power on workers’ terms and conditions.
It’s an incredibly damning indictment of the UK Government and their chronic handling of the economy that so many must turn to zero hours to make ends meet.
"With real terms pay continuing to fall, economic inactivity up and employment down, workers across Scotland desperately need change and cannot countenance any future Tory government playing fast and loose with their economic futures.
"Now more than ever, Scotland needs the devolution of employment law to outlaw, once and for all, the use of zero hours contracts, giving workers security, certainty and workplace rights from day one of their employment."
Labour's deputy leader said last month that her party would scrap zero-hour contracts if it wins the next general election.
Angela Rayner said the pledge would form part of Labour’s “new deal for working people” if Keir Starmer becomes Prime Minister.
A spokesman for Zero Hours Justice, which campaigns against the use of such contracts, said: "Zero hours contracts are a stain on our economy.
"They cause anxiety and fear amongst workers leaving them financially insecure and unable to plan their lives.
"They disproportionately affect young people and workers from other countries who have come here to work.
"They are a key factor in the recruitment crisis in the care and hospitality sectors. UK and Scottish ministers must take action to end the use of these exploitative contracts that are causing misery for over 100,000 Scottish workers."
The Record has asked the Scottish Government for comment.
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