Unemployment Down

The number of people out of work in Scotland fell by 15, 000 to 168, 000 between May and July 2014.

The Scottish unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is just below the rate of 6.2% for the whole of the UK.

The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 45,000 over the three months May to July. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,623,000.

Headline Statistics for the May to July 2014 quarter:
 
Employment in Scotland increased by 45,000 over the quarter, and increased by 87,000 over the year, to stand at 2,623,000.
 
The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter to 73.9%. The rate is above the UK average of 73.0%.
 
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 15,000 over the quarter and fell by 35,000 over the year.  The level now stands at 168,000.
 
At 6.0%, the Scots unemployment rate is below the rate of 6.2% for the UK as a whole.
 
Economic Activity increased by 30,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,791,000. Also, the Economic Activity rate increased marginally over the quarter to stand at 78.8%.
 
In August 2014, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 89,700.