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Rise in employment in Scotland
16/07/2008
Finance Secretary John Swinney today welcomed National Statistics figures which show a continuing rise in employment in Scotland and a further fall in unemployment.
Employment rose by 16,000 over the quarter between March and May 2008 and the employment rate also increased slightly, by 0.3 percentage points to 76.8 per cent according to Labour market statistics published today. Scotland's employment rate remains higher than the UK average (74.9 per cent)
ILO unemployment in Scotland fell by 25,000 over the quarter and the year. The unemployment rate also fell over the quarter by 0.9 percentage points to 4.0 per cent, which is its lowest since records began in 1992. This is lower than the UK average rate of 5.2 per cent.
Mr Swinney said:
"It is very encouraging to see employment continuing to rise in Scotland, and unemployment falling to a new low. The figures provide further evidence of the resilience of the Scottish economy - employment in Scotland is higher and unemployment lower than the UK as a whole.
"The figures indicate underlying strengths of Scotland's economy, although no open economy is immune to global developments and we cannot afford to be complacent. In growth terms, the Scottish economy has lagged that of the UK for too long, which is why this Government is totally committed to increasing sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
"We have a highly skilled workforce, and a world class reputation in key business areas. We will continue to build on our strengths to make Scotland a more competitive place where more people can find work in well paid and rewarding employment."
Seasonally adjusted employment in Scotland over the period March-May 2008 stood at 2,554,000; up 16,000 on the previous three-month period, and up 8,000 over the year. Among those aged 16-59/64, the employment rate was 76.8 per cent; an increase of 0.3 percentage points over the previous three-month period and an increase of 0.1 percentage points over the year.
Seasonally adjusted ILO unemployment in Scotland over the period March-May 2008 stood at 105,000; down by 25,000 over the previous three-month period and down by 25,000 over the year. Among those aged 16 & over, the unemployment rate was 4.0 per cent; a decrease of 0.9 percentage points over both the previous three-month period and over the year.
The seasonally adjusted numbers claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Scotland in June 2008 stood at 73,300; up 1,800 on the previous month but down 2,900 over the year. The claimant rate was 2.7 per cent; an increase of 0.1 percentage points over the previous month but down by 0.1 percentage points over the year.
Seasonally adjusted economic activity (those that are in employment or are ILO unemployed) in Scotland in the period to March-May 2008 stood at 2,659,000; a decrease of 9,000 over the previous three-month period and a decrease of 17,000 over the year. Among those aged 16-59/64, the economic activity rate was 80.1 per cent; a decrease of 0.5 percentage points over the previous three-month period and a decrease of 0.7 percentage points over the year.