News story

November 2017 labour market statistics for Scotland

Employment in Scotland increased by 2,000 over the quarter, and increased by 46,000 over the year to stand at 2,652,000.

• From: Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland and The Rt Hon David Mundell MP
• Published: 15 November 2017

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

Latest Labour Market Statistics, November 2017

Commenting on today’s labour market statistics for Scotland, Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:

It is encouraging to see Scotland’s employment remaining close to record highs seen earlier in the year.

However, the slight rise in unemployment is disappointing and shows there can be no complacency as we tackle Scotland’s economic challenges.

With growth in Scotland continuing to lag behind the rest of the UK, I urge the Scottish Government to use their considerable economic levers more effectively.

The statistics can be accessed on the ONS website.

Further information

• Employment in Scotland increased by 2,000 over the quarter, and increased by 46,000 over the year to stand at 2,652,000.
• The Scots employment rate remained unchanged over the quarter to stand at 75.2 per cent. The rate remains at near record highs and is just above the UK average of 75.0 per cent.
• Unemployment in Scotland increased by 2,000 over the quarter and is down 20,000 over the year. The level now stands at 109,000.
• At 4.0 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is below that for the UK as a whole.
• Economic Activity increased by 4,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,761,000. The Economic Activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 78.4 per cent.
• In October 2017, the number of people out of work and claiming out-of-work benefit - Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Universal Credit (UC) - was 77,000, down 1,800 over the month. The claimant count level is now 900 higher compared to one year ago.

Published 15 November 2017