Labour market statistics

The number of people in employment increased by 7,000 over the quarter with 2,662,000 people in employment in Scotland. 

Labour Market Statistics released by the ONS for September to November 2017 show:

• Scotland’s employment rate increased over the year to 75.0% but decreased by 0.2 percentage points over the quarter
• 112,000 people were unemployed, with the unemployment rate at 4.0% below the UK rate of 4.3%,
• Over the quarter the inactivity rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 21.7%
• Over the year Scotland’s female employment rate increased to 72% higher than the UK rate of 70.8%
• Over the year youth unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 9.7% lower than the UK rate of 12.6%

Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn said:

“These latest figures show 97,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak in Scotland’s economy and labour market, with rises in the numbers of people in work over the quarter and the year.

“It is also encouraging to see youth unemployment and female employment rates continuing to outperform the rest of the UK.

“The 2018/19 Draft Budget includes an extra £270 million of support for Scotland’s economy, including a new £150 million Building Scotland Fund to increase house building, commercial property and research and development, and £340 million to capitalise a Scottish National Investment Bank.

“These results come despite the economic uncertainty caused by Brexit. We have been absolutely clear that the best option for Scotland’s economy and labour market is the one people voted for – remaining  within the EU.”

Background

Labour market statistics available.