Unemployment Falls In Scotland

Unemployment in Scotland fell by 18,000 in the first three months of this year.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show 178,000 people were out of work between January and March.

That puts the unemployment rate at 6.4% - just under the average for the whole of the UK of 6.8%.

Meanwhile 2,585,000 people were in jobs in the same period, the highest rate since 1992.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Today’s employment figures mark a further improvement on last month’s record figures and demonstrate the Scottish Government’s policy of investing in infrastructure to boost the economy is making significant progress with employment levels at a record high.

“Female employment has increased by 38,000 over the last year and it is estimated that Scotland has one of the highest rates of female employment in the European Union.

“Scotland continues to outperform the UK across employment, unemployment and inactivity rates which shows that even with the limited powers over the economy at our disposal we are improving our country’s economic health.

“This government has listened to employers, to industry and to individuals and working together we are strengthening our economy. Today I am meeting with the STUC to discuss what more we can do together to boost Scotland’s economy and the Deputy First Minister is working with industry at the National Construction summit demonstrating the strong commitment of this Government to work with business and to create further economic opportunities.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael said: "Scotland is doing well as part of the UK.  In the first quarter of 2014 unemployment in Scotland fell by 18,000 and employment rose by 29,000.  It is also very good to see the number of Scots claiming jobseekers allowance has now fallen for 18 straight months and is at a six and half year low. 
 
“Being part of the large UK single market gives us stability and certainty and helps create jobs and opportunities.  We now have a record number of Scots in work, wages rising, inflation falling and the highest employment rate of all nations in the UK.
 
“As our economy recovers and businesses are becoming more confident it is good to see they are employing more and more Scots.  Businesses - especially our small and medium size companies - are the driving force of this recovery.  We will do everything we can to create the conditions needed to support their growth, creating more sustainable jobs especially for our young people and long term unemployed.”