August labour market statistics
Scotland’s employment has reached a record high.
Responding to today’s labour market statistics, published by the Office for National Statistics, Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:
“It is good news that Scotland’s employment has reached a record high. Unemployment is at a near historic low, at 3.9 per cent, which is a trend I hope to see continue. The UK Government will continue to work to strengthen Scotland’s economy, and I encourage the Scottish Government to continue to use their economic levers to increase Scotland’s prosperity.”
• Employment in Scotland increased by 30,000 over the quarter, and increased by 22,000 over the year to stand at 2,650,000.
• The Scottish employment rate increased over the quarter to stand at 75.2 per cent. The rate is now at a record high and is above the UK average of 75.1 per cent.
• Unemployment in Scotland fell by 12,000 over the quarter and is down 34,000 over the year. The level now stands at 107,000.
• At 3.9 per cent, the Scottish unemployment rate is below that for the UK as a whole.
• Economic Activity increased by 18,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,757,000. The Economic Activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 78.2 per cent.
• In July 2017, the number of people out of work and claiming out-of-work benefit - Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Universal Credit (UC) - was 81,500, down 100 over the month. The claimant count level is now 3,900 higher compared to one year ago.