March Labour Market Statistics for Scotland 2016
Unemployment in Scotland rose by 16,000 and stands at 171,000 in the period November 2015 to January 2016, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland increased by 17,000 over the three months November 2015 to January 2016. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,631,000.
The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell said:
The increase in Scottish employment of 17,000 and a record high in economic activity is welcome news. That means 17,000 more people in jobs, able to improve their quality of life, support their families and contribute to the economy.
However, these figures are also a reminder of the challenges facing Scotland’s economy, in particular in the oil and gas industry. It is vital that Scotland’s two governments work together to do everything possible to boost the Scottish economy. Earlier this year we announced a significant package of support for the oil and gas industry and the wider North East economy - this is an excellent example of what can be achieved.
The Chancellor will be setting out later today how the UK Government will continue to support economic growth right across the country.
Headline Statistics for the November 2015 to January 2016 quarter:
- Employment in Scotland increased by 17,000 over the quarter, and by 21,000 over the year, to stand at 2,631,000.
- The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter at 74.5 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 74.1 per cent.
- Unemployment in Scotland rose by 16,000 over the quarter and is up 9,000 over the year. The level now stands at 171,000.
- At 6.1 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is above the UK’s rate of 5.1 per cent.
- Economic Activity increased by 32,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,803,000. Also, the Economic Activity rate increased over the year to stand at 79.5 per cent.
- In February 2016, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 57,500 and Claimant Count, including Universal Credit was 69,900.
Latest Data for Scotland
Employment
The Labour Force Survey indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from November 2015 to January 2016 was 2,631,000. Employment was up by 17,000 compared to the previous three months, and was up by 21,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was up 0.1 p.p. on the previous quarter, and it was up by 0.4 p.p. compared to the same quarter last year, at 74.5 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is above the UK average.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was up by 16,000 over the quarter November 2015 to January 2016 at 171,000. The level was up 9,000 on the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was up 0.5 p.p. on the previous quarter at 6.1 per cent, which is up 0.3 p.p. over the year.
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit
The number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), decreased by 3,000 from January to 57,500 in February 2016. The level is down by 22,400 on February 2015. The claimant count level (JSA and Universal Credit) is down 2,000 over the month at 69,900 and the rate is down -0.1 p.p. over the month to 2.5 per cent, which is down -0.4 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 November 2015 to January 2016 quarter was 2,803,000. This was up 32,000 on the previous quarter, and up 30,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 79.5 per cent, up 0.6 p.p. on the previous quarter, and up 0.7 p.p. over the year.Employment
The Labour Force Survey indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from November 2015 to January 2016 was 2,631,000. Employment was up by 17,000 compared to the previous three months, and was up by 21,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was up 0.1 p.p. on the previous quarter, and it was up by 0.4 p.p. compared to the same quarter last year, at 74.5 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is above the UK average.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was up by 16,000 over the quarter November 2015 to January 2016 at 171,000. The level was up 9,000 on the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was up 0.5 p.p. on the previous quarter at 6.1 per cent, which is up 0.3 p.p. over the year.
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit
The number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), decreased by 3,000 from January to 57,500 in February 2016. The level is down by 22,400 on February 2015. The claimant count level (JSA and Universal Credit) is down 2,000 over the month at 69,900 and the rate is down -0.1 p.p. over the month to 2.5 per cent, which is down -0.4 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 November 2015 to January 2016 quarter was 2,803,000. This was up 32,000 on the previous quarter, and up 30,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 79.5 per cent, up 0.6 p.p. on the previous quarter, and up 0.7 p.p. over the year.
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