Scotland’s unemployment rate hits record low

The figure fell by 13,000 over the three months covering August to October – a drop of 11.2 per cent – to stand at 100,000.

The latest official data from the Office for National Statistics also showed a 0.1 per cent decrease in the employment rates estimate for Scotland which places Scotland’s employment rate (75 per cent) below that of the UK as a whole (75.7 per cent).

Joblessness fell among both males and females, with the number of men out of work down by 8,000 over the period to 58,000, while the number of women without a job decreased 5,000 to 42,000.

Unemployment was also up year-on-year in Moray by 30 per cent with 1,225 people listed as claimants and 2,633,000 people aged 16 and over in employment.

Scotland’s business minister Jamie Hepburn said the figures showed that “the Scottish economy and jobs market remain strong despite the continued challenges of Brexit”.

He said: “Scotland’s unemployment rate fell again, down to 3.7 per cent, which is lower than the UK rate of 4.1 per cent – where unemployment has remained unchanged over the quarter. This is our lowest unemployment rate on record.”

With the figures published the day before the Scottish budget, Mr Hepburn said this would “set out how we help protect Scotland as far as we can from the damaging uncertainty of Brexit and how we will deliver on our vision of a healthier, wealthier and fairer country”.

Employment minister Alok Sharma, said: “Today’s statistics show the enduring strength of our jobs market, with wages outpacing inflation for the ninth month in a row and employment at a record high.

“This is benefiting people across the country, with almost 400,000 more people in work… Putting more money in the pockets of working families, and showing the UK remains a great place to invest and do business.”

“This is benefiting people across the country”

Liz Cameron OBE, director & chief executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s labour market statistics are good news for the Scottish economy, with unemployment at a record low. The employment rate is below that of the UK as a whole but remains resilient in what is, a difficult economic environment.

“Businesses across the country continue to find it a challenge to find the right skills at the right time, and the sustained period of political uncertainty is exacerbating this stubborn economic challenge. The primary policy of importance to businesses right now is an immigration and skills policy that reflects the economic need in Scotland.’’

“It is critical the UK Government keep their eyes on the economic prize and design a talent policy that will foster, not hinder, business growth.”