Social Security Scotland will recruit another 2,000 staff over the next year as the Scottish Government prepares to take over the payment of new benefits, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The First Minister said the further devolution of welfare powers to Scotland will create jobs and economic benefits as well as treating claimants with “dignity and respect” – something she suggested was often missing at the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions.

The Scottish Government will take responsibility for payment of further benefits next year, including a replacement for the Personal Independence Payment that will be called the Adult Disability Payment.

Extra 2,000 staff to be recruited by Social Security Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon confirms