Sharp increase in Scottish unemployment figures

Alister Jack

Over the three-month period, employment numbers fell by 33,000 as unemployment increased by 19,000 and activity decreased by 15,000.

As of August, there are 112,100 people in Scotland claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and out-of-work Universal Credit, up 2,300 on July and up 20,000 on the year before.

The Scottish unemployment rate is now 4.0%, the same rate as a year ago and up on the recent record low at the start of the year.

The number of people employed in Scotland stands at 2,669,000, somewhat down on the recent record high at 2,702,000, representing an unemployment rate of 74.9%.

Commenting on the figures, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It is disappointing to see a sharp increase in unemployment after a period of encouraging figures.

“It shows we cannot be complacent. One of our key priorities is to work with the Scottish Government to boost the Scottish economy and create jobs.”