Scottish unemployment falls with decrease of 6,000

Across the UK, unemployment was also down by 5,000 to 2.51 million. Picture: PA

• There are now 194,000 unemployed Scots

• Unemployment was down by 5,000 across the UK

• The Scottish unemployment rate is 7.1 per cent

There are now 194,000 unemployed Scots, according to the figures for February to April.

Across the UK, unemployment was also down by 5,000 to 2.51 million. The Scottish unemployment rate is 7.1 per cent, which is below the average of 7.8 per cent for the whole of the UK.

The number of people in work in Scotland has also gone up by 47,000 and now stands at 2.53 million

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: “The rise in employment together with fewer people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Scotland is very welcome, not least for those who are moving from unemployment into jobs.

“This shows the decisions we are taking to tackle the deficit and build a stronger and fairer economy are working

“These are encouraging signs and it is important that we continue to pool our efforts and use all our expertise to help people into long-term sustainable jobs across Scotland.”

Today’s figures also show that Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), fell by 700 from April to 135,600 in May 2013. The level is down by 6,800 on May 2012. The claimant count rate is unchanged over the month at 4.8 per cent, and is down 0.2 per cent over the year.

The figures in Scotland mark the seventh month in a row which has seen unemployment fall in Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Today’s figures mark another significant rise in employment, with an increase of 47,000 people in work across Scotland.

“Particularly welcome is the continuing fall in youth unemployment, which has fallen by 6.1 percentage points over the year, and which has dropped dramatically since I appointed Angela Constance as Youth Employment Minister.”

Mr Salmond today announced an £88 million investment into work and supporting small business growth which he claims will help create 10,000 new youth jobs.

“Today I have announced further measures to support youth employment, This money shows our commitment to support young people in Scotland, and to work with local government and other social partners in a series of initiatives to provide employers with the help they need to create youth jobs.

• Scottish unemployment falls as UK total rises