Labour Market Stats

Scotland has the highest employment rate out of any UK nation, with rates growing to a new record high of 75.8% over the last quarter (May to July 2017). There are now over three quarters of people aged 16-64 in employment.

Labour Market Statistics, released today by ONS, show Scotland’s employment rate rose by 1.8 percentage points over the quarter to 75.8%, meaning there are 49,000 more people in work than the previous quarter. This is above the UK rate of 75.3 per cent.

Over the same period, Scotland’s unemployment rate fell 0.2 percentage points to a joint record low of 3.8%. The inactivity rate fell by 1.6 percentage points, meaning there are 54,000 fewer inactive people aged 16-64 years than in February to April 2017.

Scotland continues to perform strongly as regards female participation in the labour market, with the female unemployment rate falling by 0.6 percentage points over the year to 3.5%.

The stats came as Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn announced £200,000 to support the Investors in Young People Good Practice Framework, accreditation awarded to employers with a strong track record in employing and developing young people.

He said:

“These are the latest encouraging figures for Scotland’s economy and labour market – employment has never been higher and unemployment has never been lower.

“There are now 109,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak and Scotland now has the highest employment rate in the UK.

“Our unemployment rate remains a success story, showing that the labour market remains resilient and robust.

“With the most recent GDP figures showing the Scottish economy grew nearly four times that of the UK in the first quarter of this year, today’s labour market figures are further proof that the fundamentals of Scotland’s economy remain strong, despite the challenges posed by Brexit.”

Background

Also information is now online: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Labour-Market/FAQ/LMS