Scottish unemployment rate up slightly

THE number of Scots out of work has increased by 1,000, the latest official statistics have today shown.
Scottish unemployment figures are up slightly. Picture: PAScottish unemployment figures are up slightly. Picture: PA
Scottish unemployment figures are up slightly. Picture: PA

There are 199,000 unemployed Scots, according to the figures from July to September. But across the UK, unemployment has fallen by 48,000 to 2.45 million.

However, the number of Scots with a job has increased by 16,000 over the same period. This figure is also up 75,000 over the past year with the total standing at 2.55 million.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said the figures show “encouraging news” for Scotland.

But he warned: “The small increase in unemployment over the last three months, and the recent events at Grangemouth and at the shipyards on the Clyde, are stark reminders there can be no letup in our efforts to stabilise the economy and secure jobs for the future.

“It is important that we stick to our plans so we can support the economy as it makes a balanced recovery across all sectors. Many of the indicators including falling inflation and the most recent GDP figures show our efforts are working.”

The number of Scots claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance has fallen by 21,400 over the past year and is now at its lowest level in over four and a half years.

Scotland’s unemployment rate has remained stable at 7.2 per cent, lower than the UK rate of 7.6 per cent.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said “Scotland is continuing to “outperform the UK” on key measures of unemployment.

“This is the tenth monthly release in a row to show continued improvement in employment rates as we support more people into work,” he said.

“This consistent growth in employment shows that the policies of the Scottish Government to create jobs and boost the economy are making progress. Unemployment rates have fallen over the past year and the number of people claiming jobseekers allowance has fallen to its

lowest level since February 2009.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “We are doing all we can to promote employment in Scotland but our progress remains at risk from the policies of a Westminster government with different priorities.”

MORE ON UNEMPLOYMENT