Number of Scots unemployed falls

THE number of people out of work in Scotland has fallen, according to new figures.

The drop of 16,000 between November last year and January takes the total of unemployed people to 218,000, the Scotland Office said.

The Scottish rate now stands at 8.1 per cent, just above the UK average unemployment rate of 8 per cent.

The latest change follows figures which showed a drop of 13,000 in the final three months of last year.

Labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 8,000 over the three-month period, taking the total to more than 2.4 million.

In February, the number of people out of work and claiming jobseekers' allowance decreased by 2,100 to 137,600 - the first monthly fall since September last year.

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: "I welcome these figures which show falling unemployment and rising employment in Scotland.

"It is also encouraging to see the first fall in the number of people claiming jobseekers' allowance since September 2010.

"However, we cannot be complacent. There are still too many Scots out of work, and the Government is determined to help.

"At next week's budget, we will set out further details of the Government's plans for returning the country to sustainable growth with a balanced economy.

"In addition, I have invited the minister for employment to come to Scotland in the next few weeks to take part in a roundtable meeting to discuss how the Government's Work Programme will impact on Scotland with a range of key organisations."