Scotland Office
The Scottish unemployment rate is 5.6 per cent, which is above the rate of 5.2 per cent as for the whole of the UK, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland increased by 3,000 over the three months August to October. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,615,000.
The Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said:
These latest figures paint a positive picture with employment in Scotland growing and unemployment falling. The UK Government is helping more people into work, we are letting people hold on to more of their pay and we are also introducing the National Living Wage next year.
We are moving to a higher wage, lower tax society with historically high numbers of people in work. Scotland is playing our full part in helping to grow the UK economy and create opportunities for more people.
Headline Statistics for the August to October 2015 quarter:
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Employment in Scotland increased by 3,000 over the quarter, and by 10,000 over the year, to stand at 2,615,000
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The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter at 74.3 per cent. The rate is just above the UK average of 73.9 per cent
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Unemployment in Scotland fell by 8,000 over the quarter and remained unchanged over the year. The level now stands at 156,000
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At 5.6 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is above the UKs rate of 5.2 per cent
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Economic Activity decreased by 5,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,771,000. Also, the Economic Activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 78.9 per cent
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In November 2015, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) was 66,700
Latest Data for Scotland
Employment
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from August to October 2015 was 2,615,000. Employment was up by 3,000 compared to the previous three months, and was up by 10,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was up 0.3 p.p. on the previous quarter, and it was up by 0.3 p.p. compared to the same quarter last year, at 74.3 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is above the UK average.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was down by 8,000 over the quarter August to October 2015 at 156,000. The level was unchanged compared to the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was down 0.3 p.p. on the previous quarter at 5.6 per cent, which is unchanged over the year.
Jobseekers Allowance
The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), decreased by 1,900 from October to 66,700 in November 2015. The level is down by 20,200 on November 2014. The claimant count rate (JSA and Universal Credit) is unchanged over the month at 2.8 per cent, and is down 0.3 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 August to October 2015 quarter was 2,771,000. This was down 5,000 on the previous quarter, and up 10,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 78.9 per cent, up 0.1 p.p. on the previous quarter, and up 0.3 p.p. over the year.