September Labour Market Statistics for Scotland 2016
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 29,000 in the period May to July 2016, and now stands at 130,000, according to data released today.
The Office for National Statistics has today released data showing that the Scottish unemployment rate is 4.7 per cent, which has fallen below the rate of 4.9 per cent for the whole of the UK.
The labour market statistics also show that employment in Scotland increased by 51,000 over the three months May to July 2016. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,631,000.
The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, said:
Today’s figures are welcome news. They show a near record high of over 2.6 million people in work, with Scotland’s employment having risen by over 51,000 between May and July.
Unemployment is down to its lowest level since 2008, bringing the Scottish rate down to 4.7 per cent, lower than the UK rate of 4.9 per cent.
These improvements put Scotland, and the whole of the UK, on a strong footing as we approach the negotiations to exit the European Union. But there is no room for complacency – we must make sure that we continue to work with the Scottish Government and other partners to continue to boost Scotland’s economy and prosperity.
Headline statistics for the May to July 2016 quarter:
• Employment in Scotland increased by 51,000 over the quarter, and by 17,000 over the year, to stand at 2,631,000.
• The Scottish employment rate increased over the quarter to 74.1 per cent. The rate is marginally below the UK average of 74.5 per cent.
• Unemployment in Scotland fell by 29,000 over the quarter and is down 33,000 over the year. The level now stands at 130,000.
• At 4.7 per cent, the Scottish unemployment rate is below the UK’s rate of 4.9 per cent.
• Economic activity increased by 22,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,762,000. Also, the economic activity rate decreased over the year to stand at 77.9 per cent.
• In August 2016, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance was 53,500 and claimant count, including Universal Credit, was 77,300.
Latest Data for Scotland:
Employment
The Labour Force Survey indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from May to July 2016 was 2,631,000. Employment was up by 51,000 compared to the previous three months, and rose by 17,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was up 0.9 percentage points on the previous quarter, and remained unchanged compared to the same quarter last year, at 74.1 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is below the UK average of 74.5 per cent.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was down by 29,000 over the quarter May to July 2016 at 130,000. The level was down 33,000 on the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was down 1.1 percentage point on the previous quarter at 4.7 per cent, which is down 1.2 percentage points over the year.
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit
The number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), decreased by 500 from July to 53,500 in August 2016. The level is down by 17,000 on August 2015. The claimant count level (JSA and Universal Credit) is up 600 over the month at 77,300 and the rate was unchanged over the month to 2.8 per cent, which is unchanged 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 May to July 2016 quarter was 2,762,000. This was up 22,000 on the previous quarter, and down by 16,000 on prior year levels. Among those aged 16-64, the economic activity rate was 77.9 per cent, up 0.1 percentage points on the previous quarter, and down 0.9 percentage points over the year.
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