October Labour Market Statistics for Scotland
Unemployment in Scotland increased by 7,000, to 222,000 in the period June to August 2012, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today. The Scottish unemployment rate is 8.2 per cent, which is above the average of 7.9 per cent for the whole of the UK.
Unemployment in Scotland increased by 7,000, to 222,000 in the period June to August 2012, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today. The Scottish unemployment rate is 8.2 per cent, which is above the average of 7.9 per cent for the whole of the UK.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland fell by 1,000 over the three months June to August 2012. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,490,000. In September, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) fell for the third month in a row and is now 3,500 lower than in June.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said:
“Any increase in Scottish people losing their jobs is disappointing and a cause for concern across both Scotland’s governments. Unemployment has a major impact on families and communities and our priority is to create opportunities to help people back into work. These are difficult economic times in the face of a world economy facing a number of challenges.
“It is important we maintain the UK’s position as a relative safe haven from those global issues and continue to provide firms with the certainty and support they need to build confidence and create sustainable, long-term jobs.
“This Government is consistent and clear that there can be no complacency in getting people back into jobs as we take decisive steps to deal with the UK’s debt and deficit. The action we have taken so far has helped to make the whole of the UK, including Scotland, one of the most competitive economies.
“There are some positive signs, such as the third consecutive monthly fall in the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. We will continue to do as much as we can to help people find work through targeted support available at Scotland’s Jobcentre Plus network.”
- Employment in Scotland fell by 1,000 over the quarter, and increased by 16,000 over the year, to stand at 2,490,000.
- The Scots employment rate declined over the quarter to 71.2 per cent. The rate is just below the UK average of 71.3 per cent.
- Unemployment in Scotland increased by 7,000 over the quarter and rose by 10,000 over the year. The level now stands at 222,000.
- At 8.2 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is now above the UK rate as a whole at 7.9%.
- Economic Activity rose by 5,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,712,000. The Economic Activity rate remained unchanged over the quarter to stand at 77.7 per cent.
- In September 2012, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 139,900.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from June to August 2012 was 2,490,000. Employment was down by 1,000 compared to the previous three months, and up 16,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was down on the previous quarter by 0.1 per cent, and it was unchanged compared to the same quarter last year, at 71.2 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is just below the UK average.
Unemployment in Scotland was up 7,000 over the quarter June to August 2012, to 222,000. The level was up 10,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was up by 0.2 p.p. on the previous quarter at 8.2 per cent, which is up 0.3 p.p. over the year.
The claimant count in Scotland, based on the seasonally adjusted number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), fell by 1,300 from August to 139,900 in September 2012. The level is down by 4,100 on September 2011. The claimant count rate remained unchanged over the month at 5.1 per cent, and is down 0.1 p.p. over the year.
The number of economically active (defined as those in employment or ILO unemployed, and seasonally adjusted) in Scotland in the June to August 2012 quarter was 2,712,000. This was up 5,000 on the previous quarter, and is up 26,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 77.7 per cent, unchanged on the previous quarter, and up 0.3 p.p. over the year.