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The news could provide people with an added incentive to learn more about stock market trading so they can earn extra money in the event of losing their job.
Economists at Strathclyde University's Fraser of Allander Institute have predicted a 2.6 per cent contraction in the Scottish economy this year and further 1.2 per cent contraction next year.
Paul Brewer of PricewaterhouseCoopers said it is important that the Scottish National Party government and other organisations increase their efforts to help companies train those who are out of work.
"Scottish business are undoubtedly in for a tougher, longer ride in the downturn that was previously thought and they should be under no illusion now as to how suddenly their trading position could change," he told the BBC.
