Workless Households Falling

The number of workless households in Scotland has fallen by 38, 000 over the last year.

According to the Office of National Statistics, it means the total number of households out of work currently rests at 318, 000.

The proportion of children with unemployed parents has fallen by 0.5%

Finance Secretary John Swinney said:

"Today's figures show that we are continuing to tackle unemployment and that the Scottish economy is growing. 

"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. 

"However, we need to continue to build on this and our task is to make sure that everyone is able to benefit from our economic success. That means everyone who wants it should have access to the employment and training they need to get on in life. 

"That is why we have already 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."