Unemployment Falls In Scotland

Figures show that fewer Scots are joining the dole queue.

Unemployment in Scotland fell by 7,000, to 183,000 in the period February to April 2014, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today. The Scottish unemployment rate is 6.6  per cent, which is the same as for the whole of the UK.

The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 16,000 over the three months February to April 2014. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,578,000.

The Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael said:
 
"Working together as part of the UK creates better opportunities, more secure jobs and record high levels of employment in Scotland.  I am delighted today's figures show there are a record number of women in employment in Scotland.  Scottish female employment has increased by 35,000 over the past year. 
 
"More and more Scots are moving into employment or becoming entrepreneurs and the employers of tomorrow.  Over the past year employment has increased by 48,000, unemployment has fallen by 10,000 and the number of Scots claiming jobseekers allowance has fallen for the 19th straight month and is 33,600 lower than 12 months ago. 
 
"There is much work to be done particularly in ensuring every community across the country sees the benefits of the on-going economic recovery.  We will continue with our long term economic plan generating the conditions for business confidence to grow further helping them to create more high quality sustainable jobs."

Statistics for the February to April 2014 quarter:
 
Employment in Scotland increased by 16,000 over the quarter, and increased by 48,000 over the year, to stand at 2,578,000.
 
The Scots employment rate rose by 0.5 per cent over the quarter to 73.4 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 72.9 per cent.
 
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 7,000 over the quarter and fell by 10,000 over the year.  The level now stands at 183,000.
 
At 6.6 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is the same as for the UK as a whole.
 
Economic Activity increased by 9,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,761,000. Also, the Economic Activity rate increased  over the quarter to stand at 78.7 per cent.
 
In May 2014, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) was 100,500.