December Labour Market Statistics for Scotland
Official figures show unemployment rose in Scotland between August and October
Unemployment in Scotland rose by 25,000, to 229,000 in the period August to October 2011, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today. The Scottish unemployment rate is 8.5 per cent, above the UK average of 8.3 per cent.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has decreased by 22,000 over the three months to August - October 2011. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,474,000.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said:
“There is no hiding the fact these figures are disappointing. They show Scotland faces a serious set of challenges on employment.
“Our main priority as a government is to return this country to sustainable and more balanced growth. This is not the time to introduce further uncertainty into our economy but for both the UK and Scottish governments to work together for the benefit of the people who are looking for long-lasting quality jobs.
“The intensifying euro area crisis shows how important it is for the UK Government to stick to its plan. We took action at the autumn statement to ensure to build a stronger and more balanced economy.
“As a result more than £500 million has been added to the existing Scottish budget by the UK Government which provides the Scottish Government with significant resources in these uncertain times.”
* Employment in Scotland fell by 22,000 over the quarter, and remained unchanged over the year to stand at 2,474,000.
* The Scots employment rate fell over the quarter to 71.1 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 70.3 per cent.
* Unemployment in Scotland increased by 25,000 over the quarter and fell by 2,000 over the year. The level now stands at 229,000.
* At 8.5 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is now above the UK rate as a whole which stands at 8.3%.
* Economic Activity increased by 2,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,702,000. The Economic Activity rate increased by 0.3 per cent over the quarter, and stands at 77.8 per cent.
* In November 2011, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker¿s Allowance (JSA) was 143,000.