June Labour Market Statstics for Scotland
Unemployment in Scotland fell by 6,000, to 194,000 in the period February to April 2013, according to ONS data released today
The Office for National Statstics data showed that the Scottish unemployment rate is now 7.1 per cent, which is below the average of 7.8 per cent for the whole of the UK.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 47,000 over the three months February to April 2013. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,530,000.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said:
“The rise in employment together with fewer people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Scotland is very welcome, not least for those who are moving from unemployment into jobs. This shows the decisions we are taking to tackle the deficit and build a stronger and fairer economy are working
“These are encouraging signs and it is important that we continue to pool our efforts and use all our expertise to help people into long-term sustainable jobs across Scotland. The efforts of the Scottish Employability Forum are vital in this respect and this week I and my co-chairs have published a recommendations paper for the members of the Forum to consider. This includes focusing on improving the links between employability and economic development – considering the variety of measures currently in place in Scotland.”
Headline Statistics for the February to April 2013 quarter:
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Employment in Scotland increased by 47,000 over the quarter, and increased by 43,000 over the year, to stand at 2,530,000.
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The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter to 72.2 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 71.5 per cent.
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Unemployment in Scotland fell by 6,000 over the quarter and fell by 25,000 over the year. The level now stands at 194,000.
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At 7.1 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is now below the UK rate as a whole at 7.8 per cent.
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Economic Activity increased by 41,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,724,000. The Economic Activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 77.9 per cent.
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In May 2013, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 135,600.
Latest Data for Scotland
Employment
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from February to April 2013 was 2,530,000. Employment was up by 47,000 compared to the previous three months, and was up by 43,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was up on the previous quarter by 1.1 p.p., and it was up by 0.9 p.p. compared to the same quarter last year, at 72.2 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is above the UK average.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was down 6,000 over the quarter February to April 2013, to 194,000. The level was down 25,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was down by 0.3 p.p. on the previous quarter at 7.1 per cent, which is down 1.0 p.p. over the year.
Claimant Count
The claimant count in Scotland, based on the seasonally adjusted number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), fell by 700 from April to 135,600 in May 2013. The level is down by 6,800 on May 2012. The claimant count rate is unchanged over the month at 4.8 per cent, and is down 0.2 p.p. 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 February to April 2013 quarter was 2,724,000. This was up 41,000 on the previous quarter, and is up 18,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 77.9 per cent, up 0.9 p.p. on the previous quarter, and up 0.1 p.p. over the year.