The data has also revealed that the employment rate in Scotland was 74.3%, this is no change on the quarter and only 1.0 percentage points down on the year.

Commenting on the data, Jamie Hepburn, business minister, said: “Unemployment fell over the quarter by 0.3 percentage points and remains low by historical standards, however, these latest employment statistics signal that Brexit is continuing to negatively impact employment in Scotland and that there is work to do to reduce inactivity and increase employment in our labour market.

“That is why the Scottish Government is working hard through its investment in employability services, including Fair Start Scotland, to provide the right support to move those furthest from our labour market into work.

“The Scottish Government will also continue to do all it can to stimulate growth, jobs and investment through the policies set out in our Economic Action Plan and Prepare for Brexit campaign. These policies are designed to help build economic resilience by offering grants and advice to support businesses to face the challenges ahead.

“As set out in the Programme for Government, we will continue to make Scotland’s workplaces fairer through our actions to reduce the disability employment gap, tackle the gender pay gap and demonstrate leadership in tackling race inequality in employment. Our Future Skills Action Plan supports this ambition and will help ensure Scotland has a skilled and productive workforce which is resilient to future economic challenges.”