Scottish unemployment falls by 14,000

The latest labour market statistics, published by the Office for National Statistics today, also show that Scotland continues to outperform the UK on female and youth employment rates.

The unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points over the quarter to 4.7 per cent, and continues to outperform the UK (4.8 per cent). The unemployment level fell by 14,000 over the quarter to reach 129,000.

Across the UK, unemployment fell by 37,000 to 1.6 million.

There are 40,000 more people in employment north of the border now than at the pre-recession peak (March-May 2008).

Scotland also has the second highest employment rate out of the four UK nations.

The Scottish government said there were 40,000 more people in employment now than at the pre-recession peak of 2008.

Ministers also claimed that Scotland continued to outperform the UK in terms of both female and youth employment and unemployment.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: “Today’s labour market statistics again show that Scotland is outperforming the UK on unemployment and has the second highest employment rate of the four nations. Our female and youth employment rates are also higher than those for the UK as a whole.

“While these are hugely encouraging signs it is important that given the challenging economic conditions we face, we continue our efforts to support growth, to invest and to boost employment, with a £500 million package of financial support for private sector business investment as well as £100 million of accelerated capital spending in this financial year.

“It is clear that the result of the EU referendum has created uncertainty and undermined economic progress, which is why we are determined to pursue every avenue to secure Scotland’s continued place in the EU and the stability, jobs and investment that come from being part of the world’s biggest single market.”

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Whilst the news of falling unemployment in Scotland is very welcome, this does not tell the whole story about what is happening in Scotland’s jobs market. The fact is that the number of people in work in Scotland is falling, with Scotland having seen the second largest decrease in its employment rate across the 12 UK regions and nations over the past year, with only the South West of England recording a worse decline.

“If Scotland is to get back on the path to stronger economic performance, then we need more people in work and only Scotland’s businesses can deliver this. That is why it is vital that the UK and Scottish Governments use their upcoming Autumn Statement and Scottish Budget respectively to deliver tangible support to our businesses and thus provide a clear boost to business confidence at this time.

“In the midst of wider uncertainties, a clear message that supporting business is at the top of our Governments’ agenda will help encourage firms to invest in their future growth and in their staff.”