Press release: October 2017 labour market statistics for Scotland

Commenting on today’s labour market statistics for Scotland, Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:

It is encouraging to see an increase in employment, which remains close to record levels.

But the rise in unemployment is disappointing and shows we must remain focused on boosting Scotland’s economy.

Growth in Scotland lags behinds the rest of the UK and I’d urge the Scottish Government to use their considerable economic levers more effectively.

The statistics can be accessed on the ONS website.

Further information

• Employment in Scotland increased by 35,000 over the quarter, and increased by 40,000 over the year to stand at 2,655,000.

• The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter to stand at 75.3 per cent. The rate is now at a near record high and is above the UK average of 75.1 per cent.

• Unemployment in Scotland increased by 9,000 over the quarter and is down 15,000 over the year. The level now stands at 113,000.

• At 4.1 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is below that for the UK as a whole.

• Economic activity increased by 44,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,767,000. The economic activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 78.5 per cent.

• In September 2017, the number of people out of work and claiming out-of-work benefit – Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Universal Credit (UC) – was 80,500, up 500 over the month. The claimant count level is now 700 higher compared to one year ago.