Unemployment total falls by 18,000 to 152,000

The labour-market statistics also show employment in Scotland rose by 17,000 over the three-month period to stand at 2,625,000. Picture: PA

UNEMPLOYMENT in Scotland fell by 18,000 between March and May, according to official figures.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) puts the number of unemployed people north of the border at 152,000.

Scotland’s jobless rate continues to be higher than that of the UK as a whole, at 5.5 per cent and 4.9 per cent respectively.

The labour-market statistics also show employment in Scotland rose by 17,000 over the three-month period to stand at 2,625,000.

The Scottish employment rate increased over the quarter to 74 per cent compared with a UK average of 74.4 per cent.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “It is positive news that employment in Scotland has risen and unemployment has fallen during the second quarter of 2016.

“That means more people in Scotland enjoying the security of a regular wage.

“But with Scotland’s economy showing little growth over the past year, and the country’s unemployment rate still higher than the UK overall, there is no room for complacency.

“The UK Government’s priority is working with the Scottish Government and other partners as ‘team UK’ to make sure that we get the best deal for Scotland and the whole of the UK in the forthcoming negotiations with the EU.

“Our new Prime Minister has made clear she is determined to make this a government of opportunity, standing up for ordinary working people in Scotland and across the UK, and building a better future for our country.

“That means everyone working together to promote economic growth and prosperity.”

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