Scottish unemployment down by 8,000

Unemployment in Scotland fell by 8,000 to 156,000 in the period August to October, new jobs figures showed.
Unemployment fell across the period from August to October. Picture: Ian GeorgesonUnemployment fell across the period from August to October. Picture: Ian Georgeson
Unemployment fell across the period from August to October. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The number of people in work also increased by 3,000 over the quarter and 10,000 over the year to reach 2,615,000, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Scotland’s employment rate increased over the quarter at 74.3 per cent. The rate is just above the UK average of 73.9 per cent.

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The figures also showed that at 5.6 per cent, the Scottish unemployment rate is above the UK’s rate of 5.2 per cent.

Cabinet secretary for fair work Roseanna Cunningham, welcoming the findings, said: “I am very pleased to note this month’s figures, which reinforce the positive longer-term trends in Scotland’s labour market, notwithstanding recent and ongoing volatility.

“There is rising employment, a fall in unemployment and further excellent news for youth employment. The youth employment figures are particularly welcome as we note an increase in the number of school leavers heading to initial positive destinations, which is now at a record 92.9 per cent.”