Scottish youth unemployment lower than rest of UK

Unemployment among 16 to 24-year-olds is lower in Scotland than in the rest of the UK, according to the Youth Employment Minister.

Angela Constance. Picture: Julie Bull

There are 29,000 fewer young people out of work compared with last year, Angela Constance will tell MSPs at Holyrood today.

The Labour Force Survey shows five consecutive months of improving job statistics and that employment is higher and unemployment lower among 16 to 24-year-olds in Scotland than in the rest of the UK, according to Ms Constance.

She said: “Recent job figures have given us good reasons for optimism on youth employment in Scotland. The latest figures showed 29,000 less unemployed young people compared to the same time last year, and when we look closely at local authority figures for 18 to 24-year-olds, claimant counts have fallen across the country.

“We are currently in a better position than the UK on youth employment and I firmly believe it is no coincidence that such positive news follows strong action from the Scottish Government to address what is a stubborn problem Europe-wide.

Employability

“We are delivering on record targets for modern apprenticeships annually and we have guaranteed 16 to 19-year-olds an offer of a place in education and training.

“Colleges are prioritising full-time courses for young people and working closely with each other, as well as local employers, to improve the job prospects of students. We have also helped thousands into opportunities in the third sector, including over 3,000 young people through Community Jobs Scotland.

“There will be no let-up in our drive to help more young people into jobs. This year I am asking businesses across the country to make young people their business.

Ms Constance added: “This year we are rolling out the Employability Fund to open up even more training opportunities and will provide £25 million to local authorities to offer recruitment incentives to create new jobs for young people. We have come far in the last 18 months but there is still work to do.

“Getting young people into training, education or work will not only aid their long-term employability, it will ensure that Scotland’s economy flourishes.”