Number of payroll NHS employees in Scotland hits record high

There were 2.45 million payrolled employees in Scotland in October, the highest number since the recording series began in 2014, according to the latest data.

Meanwhile, Scotland's unemployment rate was at 3.9% in the third quarter of 2023, a figure which has remained constant throughout the year.

The economic inactivity rate for people aged 16 to 64 was 22.7%, a figure which has also been largely static throughout 2023.

The data on payrolled employees is based on early estimates from HMRC.

The Scottish Government's Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: "It's welcome that the latest HMRC early estimates show the highest number of payrolled employees in Scotland since the series began.

"ONS adjusted experimental estimates show that the employment, unemployment and economic inactivity rates for Scotland for July to September 2023 are relatively unchanged over the quarter.

"In the face of ongoing challenges to the labour market, such as Brexit, the Scottish Government is committed to using its limited powers to support more people into work through employability and skills support.

"We have committed to expanding Scotland's provision of fully funded childcare, which is already the most generous childcare package in the UK, which can support more parents, and those with caring responsibilities, into work."

He added: "However with industries such as hospitality and agriculture still facing enormous recruitment challenges, an urgent reassessment of UK Government immigration policy is needed to increase access to the international labour market that Scotland needs for our economy to prosper.

"With full powers over migration, Scotland could boost its workforce and tackle recruitment challenges, many of which have been caused by the end of free movement and the Brexit imposed on Scotland by the UK Government."

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