August Labour Market Statistics for Scotland
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 5,000, to 214,000 in the period April to June 2012, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today. The Scottish unemployment rate is 7.9 per cent, which is just below the average of 8.0 per cent for the whole of the UK.
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 5,000, to 214,000 in the period April to June 2012, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today. The Scottish unemployment rate is 7.9 per cent, which is just below the average of 8.0 per cent for the whole of the UK.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 12,000 over the three months to April to June 2012. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,500,000.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said:
“The Scottish labour market is proving resilient and it is good news more people are finding work and fewer Scots are claiming benefit. Each step in the right direction counts for the families and individuals who have made the positive step into work.
“Unemployment has fallen for the fifth consecutive month of reporting. These are encouraging figures during challenging times but we cannot be complacent in our drive to rebalance the economy towards sustainable economic growth. This government is continuing to make the right decisions for the economy and getting the UK back into growth.
“The Work Programme is continuing to provide support for people on their way to long term, meaningful employment. We need to continue to build a ‘Team Scotland’ approach to this issue across both governments, employment organisations and other bodies.”
* Employment in Scotland rose by 12,000 over the quarter, and fell by 5,000 over the year, to stand at 2,500,000.
* The Scots employment rate rose over the quarter to 71.6 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 71.0 per cent.
* Unemployment in Scotland decreased by 5,000 over the quarter and rose by 3,000 over the year. The level now stands at 214,000.
* At 7.9 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is now just below the UK rate as a whole at 8.0%.
* Economic Activity rose by 7,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,714,000. The Economic Activity rate remained unchanged over the quarter at 77.9 per cent.
* In July 2012, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 142,600.