Unemployment in Scotland fell by 18,000 in the period March to May, and now stands at 152,000, according to data released today.
The Scottish unemployment rate is 5.5 per cent, which is above the rate of 4.9 per cent for the whole of the UK.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland increased by 17,000 over the three months March to May 2016. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,625,000.
The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, said: It is positive news that employment in Scotland has risen and unemployment has fallen during the second quarter of 2016. That means more people in Scotland enjoying the security of a regular wage. But with Scotland’s economy showing little growth over the past year, and the country’s unemployment rate still higher than the UK overall, there is no room for complacency.
“The UK Government’s priority is working with the Scottish Government and other partners as ‘Team UK’, to make sure that we get the best deal for Scotland and the whole of the UK in the forthcoming negotiations with the EU.
“Our new Prime Minister has made clear she is determined to make this a government of opportunity, standing up for ordinary working people in Scotland and across the UK, and building a better future for our country. That means everyone working together to promote economic growth and prosperity.”
Headline statistics for the March to May 2016 quarter:
- Employment in Scotland increased by 17,000 over the quarter, and by 2,000 over the year, to stand at 2,625,000.
- The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter at 74.0 per cent. The rate is below the UK average of 74.4 per cent.
- Unemployment in Scotland fell by 18,000 over the quarter and is up 1,000 over the year. The level now stands at 152,000.
- At 5.5 per cent, the Scottish unemployment rate is above the UK’s rate of 4.9 per cent.
- Economic activity fell by 1,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,778,000. Also, the economic activity rate decreased over the year to stand at 78.4 per cent.
- In June 2016, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance was 56,600 and claimant count, including Universal Credit was 74,700.
Latest Data for Scotland:
Employment
The Labour Force Survey indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from March to May 2016 was 2,625,000. Employment was up by 17,000 compared to the previous three months, and rose by 2,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was up 0.2 percentage points on the previous quarter, and fell by 0.4 percentage points compared to the same quarter last year, at 74.0 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is below the UK average of 74.4 per cent.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was down by 18,000 over the quarter March to May 2016 at 152,000. The level was up 1,000 on the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was down 0.7 percentage points on the previous quarter at 5.5 per cent, which is unchanged over the year.
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit
The number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), decreased by 500 from May to 56,600 in June 2016. The level is down by 18,000 on June 2015. The claimant count level (JSA and Universal Credit) is up 200 over the month at 74,700 and the rate is unchanged over the month at 2.7 per cent, which is down 0.1 percentage points over the year.
Economic Activity
The number of economically active (defined as those in employment or ILO unemployed, and seasonally adjusted) in Scotland in the March to May 2016 quarter was 2,778,000. This was down 1,000 on the previous quarter, and up by 3,000 on prior year levels. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 78.4 per cent, down 0.3 percentage points on the previous quarter, and down 0.4 percentage points over the year.
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