Encouraging trend in employment figures

Scotland’s employment rate grew over the year to 75.2% (July to September 2017). There are now 2,652,000 people aged 16 years and above in employment.

Labour Market Statistics released this week by ONS today, show:

• Scotland’s employment rate increased over the year to 75.2% above the UK rate of 75.0%
• Over the year, Scotland’s unemployment rate decreased by 0.8 percentage points to 4.0 %, lower than the UK rate of 4.3%
• Over the quarter, Scotland’s inactivity rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 21.6 %, the same as the UK
• Over the quarter Scotland’s female employment rate increased to 72.1% higher than the UK rate of 70.6%
• Over the year, Scotland’s youth unemployment rate decreased by 2.6 percentage points to 9.4%, lower than the UK of 13.2%

During a visit to Robertson’s construction site in Pennywell Minster for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “These latest employment figures are encouraging and show Scotland has higher employment rates and lower unemployment rates than the UK with 88,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak.

“Youth unemployment rates continue to outperform the UK. This comes on top of us fulfilling our commitment to reduce youth unemployment by 40%, four years ahead of schedule.

“While these figures are positive we recognise there are still many barriers to getting people into work and are continuing to work to improve labour market conditions.

“Our new devolved employability support programmes are supporting people into work, whilst our ambitious new target to make Scotland a Living Wage Nation will promote fair pay.

“Today’s figures also show the Scottish labour market continues to perform well against a difficult backdrop, echoing the most recent State of the Economy Report which shows growth over the first half of 2017, with forecasts remaining positive for the future.

“However, the lack of clarity from the UK Government on Brexit poses the biggest threat to our economy and we will continue to call on the UK Government to give people and businesses greater certainty.”

Labour market statistics