Scottish employment rises by 7,000

The number of people in employment in increased by 7,000 between September and November 2, with 2,662,000 people in employment in Scotland.

Latest official quarterly figures from the Office for National Statistics show that Scotland’s jobless total fell by 1,000 in the autumn, as unemployment dropped to 112,000.

The unemployment rate north of the border now stands at 4.0 per cent below the UK rate of 4.3 per cent were unemployment as a whole fell by 3,000 to 1.44 million over the same period.

Scotland’s employment rate for those of working age fell by 0.2 per cent, to 75 per cent. The total number in work now stands at just under 2.56 million.

Over the quarter the inactivity rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 21.7 per cent.

Over the year Scotland’s female employment rate increased to 72 per cent, higher than the UK rate of 70.8 per cent.

And the youth unemployment rate over the year increased by 0.2 percentage points to 9.7 per cent lower than the UK rate of 12.6 per cent.

Wages in the UK rose at their fastest rate in almost a year, according to the figures.

But the 2.4 per cent growth in wages remained below inflation, which stood at 3.1 per cent in November - leaving real wages lower than they were a year earlier.

Liz Cameron, chief executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “It remains encouraging that the UK’s labour market is showing considerable signs of strength, with more full time workers in post than ever before.

“However, as was reinforced by our most recent quarterly economic survey, many industries are continuing to post vacancy levels at record highs. This continues to suggest that skills shortages are holding back growth across the Scottish and UK economy.

“Business and government, both at a Scottish and UK level, must work together to address the skills gap. An important enabler of access to skilled workers is migration and a pragmatic approach to future immigration policy must be front of mind amongst negotiators and politicians, ensuring business growth is not held back.”

Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn, said: “These latest figures show 97,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak in Scotland’s economy and labour market, with rises in the numbers of people in work over the quarter and the year.

“It is also encouraging to see youth unemployment and female employment rates continuing to outperform the rest of the UK.

“The 2018/19 Draft Budget includes an extra £270 million of support for Scotland’s economy, including a new £150 million Building Scotland Fund to increase house building, commercial property and research and development, and £340 million to capitalise a Scottish National Investment Bank.

“These results come despite the economic uncertainty caused by Brexit. We have been absolutely clear that the best option for Scotland’s economy and labour market is the one people voted for – remaining within the EU.”