April Labour Market Statistics for Scotland
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 11,000, to 197,000 in December 2012 to February 2013, according to Office for National Statistics data.
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 11,000, to 197,000 in the period December 2012 to February 2013, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today. The Scottish unemployment rate is 7.3 per cent, which is below the average of 7.9 per cent for the whole of the UK.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 39,000 over the three months December 2012 to February 2013. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,507,000.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said:
“Today’s figures show further signs of a positive outlook for employment opportunities in Scotland and they are important news for each and every person who has moved into a job.
“There is more to be done, but we should be encouraged by the increase in those moving into employment and the government will continue to work hard to balance the economy and get more people back into work.
“Our focus remains on supporting individuals to do so. We know that every person taking up a job helps move the economy into a stronger position for the future.”
Headline Statistics for the December 2012 to February 2013 quarter:
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Employment in Scotland increased by 39,000 over the quarter, and increased by 20,000 over the year, to stand at 2,507,000.
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The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter to 71.7 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 71.4 per cent.
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Unemployment in Scotland fell by 11,000 over the quarter and fell by 21,000 over the year. The level now stands at 197,000.
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At 7.3 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is now below the UK rate as a whole at 7.9 per cent.
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Economic Activity increased by 28,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,704,000. The Economic Activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 77.4 per cent.
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In March 2013, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 136,600.
Latest Data for Scotland
Employment
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from December 2012 to February 2013 was 2,507,000. Employment was up by 39,000 compared to the previous three months, and was up by 20,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was up on the previous quarter by 1.0 p.p., and it was up by 0.3 p.p. compared to the same quarter last year, at 71.7 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is above the UK average.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was down 11,000 over the quarter December 2012 to February 2013, to 197,000. The level was down 21,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was down by 0.5 p.p. on the previous quarter at 7.3 per cent, which is down 0.8 p.p. over the year.
Claimant Count
The claimant count in Scotland, based on the seasonally adjusted number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), fell by 600 from February to 136,600 in March 2013. The level is down by 6,700 on March 2012. The claimant count rate is unchanged over the month at 4.9 per cent, and is down 0.2 p.p. 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 December 2012 to February 2013 quarter was 2,704,000. This was up 28,000 on the previous quarter, and is down 2,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 77.4 per cent, up 0.7 p.p. on the previous quarter, and down 0.3 p.p. over the year.