Unemployment falls

Scotland’s unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points over the quarter July to September 2016, and there are now 40,000 more people in employment than at the pre-recession peak in 2008.

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%, and continues to outperform the UK (4.8%). The unemployment level fell by 14,000 over the quarter to reach 129,000.
• There are 40,000 more people in employment now than at the pre-recession peak (March-May 2008). Furthermore, Scotland has the second highest employment rate out of the four UK nations.
• Scotland continues to outperform the UK on female employment, unemployment and inactivity rates.
• Scotland continues to outperform the UK on youth employment, unemployment and inactivity rates.

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.”

Background

The publication is available to view at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/releases/uklabourmarketstatisticsnov2016