Employment And Unemployment Down

More Scots are in work and female employment is at an all-time high.

Unemployment in Scotland fell by 11,000, to 156,000 in the period August to October 2014, according to Office for National Statistics data released today.

The Scottish unemployment rate is 5.6%, which is below the rate of 6.0% for the whole of the UK.

The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has fallen slightly by 3,000 over the three months August to October. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,605,000.

Latest Job Figures:

•  Employment in Scotland fell by 3,000 over the quarter, and increased by 52,000 over the year, to stand at 2,605,000.
• The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter to 74.0 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 73.0 per cent.
• Unemployment in Scotland fell by 11,000 over the quarter and fell by 44,000 over the year.  The level now stands at 156,000.
• At 5.6 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is below the rate of 6.0 per cent for the UK as a whole.
• Economic Activity fell by 14,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,761,000. Also, the Economic Activity rate fell marginally  over the quarter to stand at 78.6 per cent.
• In November 2014, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 87,300.

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said it is "important to place these figures in context."

She said: "Over the past year, the private sector in Scotland has created nearly 73,000 jobs at a time when public sector employment has fallen by almost 38,000.  This is good news since this is a healthy sign of some long overdue rebalancing of Scotland’s economy.  

"Scotland’s private sector now employs over 2 million people, including a record number of women in employment, and this demonstrates the need for Government policies at all levels to focus on enabling businesses to grow, to create wealth and jobs and to increase productivity.

“When business is successful, Scotland is successful.  That is a lesson that Government must heed and whilst we all share the clear social objectives that Government aspires to for our society, the means of achieving this must be centred on supporting business growth.”

Alistair Carmichael, Secretary of State for Scotland said the figures are "positive".

He said: “Today’s figures show Scotland’s labour market is continuing to strengthen with unemployment falling and over 28,000 fewer people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance compared to 12 months ago.  

"I am also delighted to see female employment reach a new record high and 17,800 fewer 18-24 year olds claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance than two years ago.

“This year has seen Scottish employment increasing to record levels and unemployment down to rates seen before the financial crash.  In 2014 people in Scotland voted to stay part of the UK which provides more jobs and more opportunities across the country and greater economic security and stability for businesses and communities. 

“The small decline in employment this month emphasises the wider global challenges we are facing but, with employment having increased by 52,000 over the past year, the outlook for the year ahead is positive.  As we look towards 2015 we will continue with our long-term economic plan to provide a sustained recovery and a more resilient economy, ensuring people and businesses in Scotland can make the most of the opportunities the large and diverse UK market brings.”