At the same time, the unemployment rate estimate decreased slightly over the quarter to 4.3%.

Separate HMRC early estimates, also published this morning, show the number of payrolled employees has increased over the month by 17,000 to 2.4 million in July 2021.

This is 28,000 fewer payrolled employees compared with February 2020, which reflects Scotland’s gradual ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic.

Employment minister Richard Lochhead said: “We are carefully monitoring any impact on employment, particularly as the Job Retention Scheme continues to unwind, and taking action where necessary.

“The Scottish Government will continue to do all we can to support employees and employers, but the UK Government must extend furlough for those that still need it. As we continue to move out of lockdown, we are pushing forward with an ambitious agenda of recovery and economic transformation that builds on the £3.7 billion in Scottish Government support to business since the start of the pandemic.”

He added: “In 2021/22 we will invest more than £1 billion to create jobs and ensure people have the skills needed to meet the economic opportunities of the future. We are also supporting our young people into work by providing a further £70 million for the Young Person’s Guarantee.

“Our 10 year National Strategy for Economic Transformation will set out our green economic recovery and how we will support new, good, green jobs, businesses and industries for the future. By working together we will seize Scotland’s potential and deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity.”