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Scottish unemployment falls

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Unemployment in Scotland has fallen, with the rate down half a percentage point to 4.4 per cent and 14,000 fewer people unemployed compared to the previous quarter.

The Labour Market Statistics for January to March 2017, published by the Office for National Statistics today show Scotland’s unemployment rate is at 4.4 per cent, down 1.7 percentage points over the year.

The number of people in unemployment fell by 14,000 over the quarter to reach 120,000, with the level decreasing by 48,000 over the year.

The figures also show:

  • Scotland’s employment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points over the quarter to 74.0 per cent, with the level rising by 5,000. Over the year the rate increased by 0.9 percentage points, with the number of people in work rising by 41,000

  • Scotland continues to perform strongly as regards female participation in the labour market, with the female unemployment rate falling by 0.7 percentage points over the year to 4.2 per cent

  • The youth employment rate was 3.9 percentage points higher than the previous year - 58.7 per cent, with the level rising by 15,000, as 344,000 young people were in employment

  • The inactivity rate for those 16-64 years- those not in work and not actively seeking work (students, looking after family, retired, having a long-term illness or disability) - rose slightly over the quarter by 0.1 percentage points, to 22.5 per cent.

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    Liz Cameron
    Liz Cameron

    Scottish Chambers of Commerce welcomed the figures but have warned against complacency and renewed their call for Scotland’s Governments in Edinburgh and in London to work together to put business at the top of their agendas.

    Chief Executive Liz Cameron, said: “These latest figures for employment and unemployment are very positive, with unemployment falling and employment growing. This confirms the positive trends in recruitment that we have been picking up through our own research and demonstrates that Scotland’s businesses are ambitious to succeed. It is a timely reminder that they are the creators of Scotland’s jobs and wealth.

    “Scotland’s businesses are working hard against some pretty strong economic headwinds right now and are continuing to seek the talents that they need to succeed, both by recruiting new staff and through upskilling existing workers. They must be supported to do so, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that the supply of skills meets business demand and that we are equipping more people with these talents, including workers of all ages and those who have been unemployed for an extended period.

    “This demonstrates why a coherent industrial strategy for the UK is necessary and why this must be fully supported by both the UK and Scottish Governments. Scottish businesses are competing on a global basis and need the co-ordinated support of all levels of Government to give them the edge to enable business to create high quality employment opportunities for all.”

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