Scotland Office
Unemployment in Scotland increased marginally by 1,000, to 163,000 in the period February to April 2015, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today. The Scottish unemployment rate is 5.9 per cent, which is above the rate of 5.5 per cent for the whole of the UK.
The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland increased by 14,000 over the three months February to April. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,624,000.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:
I want to ensure that every part of Scotland benefits from a growing UK economy and that everyone who works hard gets the opportunities they need to succeed. Our long-term economic plan gives working people the chance to get on, at every stage of their lives and make the most of the jobs and opportunities that are being created across the country.
These statistics today show the creativity, resilience and hard work of so many people and businesses in Scotland. The increase in employment sees the number of people in Scotland in work reach a near record high. Over the past year employment in Scotland has increased by 53,000 and unemployment has fallen by 19,000. The latest economic forecasts also confirm growth will continue this year and next with more jobs being created and wages continuing to rise.
Headline Statistics for the February to April 2015 quarter:
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Employment in Scotland increased by 14,000 over the quarter, and increased by 53,000 over the year, to stand at 2,624,000.
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The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter at 74.4 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 73.4 per cent.
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Unemployment in Scotland increased marginally by 1,000 over the quarter and fell by 19,000 over the year. The level now stands at 163,000.
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At 5.9 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is above the rate of 5.5 per cent for the UK as a whole.
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Economic Activity increased by 15,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,788,000. Also, the Economic Activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 79.2 per cent.
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In May 2015, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) was 76,300.
Latest Data for Scotland
Employment
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from February to April 2015 was 2,624,000. Employment was up by 14,000 compared to the previous three months, and was up by 53,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was up by 0.4 p.p. on the previous quarter, and it was up by 1.2 p.p. compared to the same quarter last year, at 74.4 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is above the UK average.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was up marginally by 1,000 over the quarter February to April 2015, to 163,000. The level was down 19,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate remained unchanged on the previous quarter at 5.9 per cent, which is down 0.8 p.p. over the year.
Jobseekers Allowance
The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), fell by 1,200 from April to 76,300 in May 2015. The level is down by 23,900 on May 2014. The claimant count rate remained unchanged over the month at 2.7 per cent, and is down 0.9 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 2015 quarter was 2,788,000. This was up 15,000 on the previous quarter, and is up 33,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 79.2 per cent, up 0.4 p.p. on the previous quarter, and up 0.6 p.p. over the year.