Scottish Jobless Total Falls

Unemployment fell by 40,000, to 151,000 between June and August, according to Office for National Statistics data released today.

The Scottish unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is below the rate of 6.0% for the whole of the UK.

The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 35,000 over the three months June to August. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,611,000.

Figures released today also show that Scottish GDP grew by 0.9% during the second quarter of 2014 and grew by 2.6% on an annual basis.

The Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said:

"Today's figures on jobs and the economy show Scotland is moving in the right direction.  The biggest quarterly fall in Scottish unemployment since records began and confirmation that Scotland's economy has now grown for two consecutive years is very welcome news.  This year we have seen new record high levels of employment and today marks another record high, with more Scottish women in employment than ever before. 

"Challenges remain as the rise in the number of Scots claiming jobseekers allowance shows.  This however comes off eighteen consecutive months where the number has fallen and there are 30,500 less Scots claiming jobseekers allowance than one year ago.

"We create more jobs and opportunities in Scotland when we work with all other parts of this United Kingdom. That is part of the reason that people in Scotland voted decisively last month to  remain part of the UK. A shared currency and no barriers to trade with our biggest market are vital ingredients for job creation in Scotland. These latest figures are very good news. I want the UK and Scottish Governments to combine our efforts more than ever to build on this and build a better future for everyone in Scotland."

The First Minister has also welcomed the figures.

Addressing the STUC 'Decent Work, Dignified Lives” Conference', Alex Salmond said: 

"Scotland is outperforming the UK on employment, unemployment and inactivity rates and Scotland's economy continues to go from strength to strength, with growth of 0.9% over the last three months and 2.6 per cent in the last year.

"In the midst of referendum campaigning, employment rose by 35,000 in Scotland, to reach almost 74% of the workforce; while unemployment fell by 40,000, the largest quarterly fall since records began.

"In the months running up to the referendum, Scotland's economy was powering forward, with this April - June quarter showing the fastest annual growth in GDP since late 2007.

"In other words, political confidence and economic confidence go hand in hand.

"There is no trade-off between democratic participation and real economic growth.

"As the Scottish economy grows our task is to ensure that everyone is able to benefit from that economic success.

"With discussion on further powers for the Scottish Parliament now taking place it is essential that we have the full tools we need to support employment opportunities for everyone in Scotland."

The Labour Market figures also show that the number of women in employment reached 1,284,000 in Scotland, the highest since records began, and the female employment rate in Scotland is higher than in the UK - 71.4% compared to 68.1%.

On a visit to Diageo's Edinburgh office Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women's Employment Angela Constance welcomed the figures. She said:

"Today's figures are excellent news for the Scottish economy and show that we are continuing to make progress in our efforts to tackle unemployment. 

"We now have the highest jobs figures in history, the highest female employment in history, the lowest level of unemployment since the end of 2008, lower unemployment than the rest of the UK and higher employment and lower inactivity

"And I am particularly pleased to see female employment in Scotland reaching a record high. 

"Last week's budget set out key measures, including £16 million of additional investment in tackling youth employment and £4.5 billion of investment in infrastructure that will secure continued growth and further improvements in employment."