Nicola Sturgeon has said there will be no "reckless relaxation" of lockdown rules despite rising unemployment in Scotland as businesses struggle during the pandemic.
Figures published today revealed the number of Scots looking for work rose sharply during the first full month of lockdown - while the number of vacancies across the UK fell to its lowest level since 2001.
The First Minister said coronavirus had caused an economic crisis and made a fresh call for the UK Government to extend its furlough scheme, which has offered a lifeline to thousands of businesses.
The SNP leader will make a statement on Thursday on entering phase two of lockdown, which will include a date for when more non-essential shops can reopen.
Businesses that can't operate remotely - such as factories, workshops and construction sites - will also be given the green light for getting back to work.
But Sturgeon said she would resist demands to deviate from the Scottish Government's routemap out of lockdown.
Speaking at her daily media briefing, the SNP leader said the increased economic anxiety would lead some to argue for a quicker than planned exit from lockdown.
She continued: "I absolutely understand that. But difficult though all of this is, we must guard against a reckless relaxation of lockdown measures.
"Because if we ease restrictions too quickly and allow the virus to run out of control again, that would be economically counterproductive, but it would also cost many more lives."
The First Minister insisted that a "sustainable recovery" would lead to more resilience against future outbreaks.
Finance secretary Kate Forbes will later set out details in the Scottish Parliament of a further £230m of support for the economy.
The package will be open to projects that can provide an immediate boost to jobs and growth, while also helping the future economy.
Sturgeon continued: "These unemployment figures being reported today, that only cover up to the end of April are themselves deeply concerning,"
"But there is a danger they mask the full impact of this crisis. Many people will still be in employment right now but their continuation in employment is dependent on the furlough scheme.
"If that is withdrawn before it is safe to do the danger is we unemployment rise even further in the next few months."
