Scottish unemployment falls by 11,000

Unemployment fell in Scotland by 11,000 over the last quarter, according to latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures released today.

The jobless rate north of the border is now 5.8 per cent, compared with 5 per cent for the whole of the UK.

But the latest Labour Market Statistics for February to April 2016 showed Scotland continues to outperform the rest of the UK on female employment rates and has the second highest employment rate out of the four UK nations with 143,000 more people in employment compared with 2010.

The data also showed Scotland outperforms the rest of the UK on youth employment, unemployment and inactivity rates.

The youth unemployment rate has decreased to 13.4 per cent over the year.

The UK government’s Scottish Secretary David Mundell, said: “It is welcome news that unemployment has fallen by 11,000 over the three months to April, but these figures also show that the downturn in the oil and gas sector is having a significant, ongoing, impact.

“The UK government is continuing to work with the Scottish government and other partners to do everything possible to support the North Sea industry and boost Scotland’s economy.”

Meanwhile, Scotland’s minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn, commented on the latest statistics while visiting 20/20 Productions in Edinburgh, an international communications company who specialise in creative communications including digital and film. The company has also recently received Investors in Young People accreditation this year.

He said: “The latest employment figures show a fall in unemployment over the last quarter which is to be welcomed. However, as the employment rate has fallen we are clear we need to increase our efforts to improve the economy by investing in jobs and creating a competitive and supportive business environment.

“The Government’s forthcoming Labour Market Strategy will recognise the opportunities and challenges we face in our workplaces, including labour market participation. We will build on our aspirations, priorities and policies to achieve greater competitiveness and tackle inequalities in the workplace.

“We are working hard to support job creation, while our economic strategy outlines our priorities, which include investing in infrastructure, fostering innovation, promoting inclusive growth and promoting Scotland on the international stage to boost trade and inward investment.

“There has been good news for Ross-shire and the wider Highland area today, with the announcement of a multi-million pound contract between Global Energy Group and Siemens. This contract will allow Nigg Energy Park to develop into a genuine multi-energy site, securing around 100 direct and indirect jobs and associated supply chain opportunities.

“I’m pleased that youth unemployment has also decreased over the last year. However, we are committed to getting more young people into work which is why we will increase Modern Apprenticeships to 30,000 a year by 2020 as part of a wide range of measures contained in our seven year youth employment strategy Developing the Young Workforce.”