Scotland's Economy

Unemployment below 100,000 for the first time on record

January 22, 2019 by paulobrien No Comments | Category Business, Economy, Employment

This month’s labour market statistics, released by the ONS for September to November 2018, show unemployment fell below 100,000 in Scotland for the first time on record.

Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said:

“Despite the huge and continued challenges of Brexit, the Scottish economy remains resilient and our jobs market is strengthening.   

“Scotland’s unemployment rate reached a record low again this month, down to 3.6%, lower than the UK rate of 4.0%. The number of people unemployed in Scotland has now fallen below 100,000 for the first time on record.

“Employment for women and young people in particular continues to be impressive in Scotland as we outperform the UK with a rate of 71.5% for women, higher than the UK rate of 71.2%, and 60.7% for young people, higher than the UK rate of 56.0%. Compared to the UK we have significantly lower rates of unemployment for both women and young people.

“We remain committed to creating the right economic environment for jobs growth however Brexit remains the biggest threat to Scotland’s economic success.

“This week we have seen a report by EY showing the damage Brexit is doing to Scottish businesses. As good as these statistics are, the UK Government’s Brexit plans, in whatever form, will cost jobs, make people poorer and damage our society.

“The UK Government must now take urgent steps to rule out a no-deal Brexit, which threatens to have devastating consequences for jobs, businesses and communities, extend the Article 50 process and hold a second referendum on EU membership.”

Background

Scottish breakdown of labour market statistics will be available online from 11am.

Tags: employment

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