Unemployment in Scotland falls by 1,000

Scotland recorded a lower unemployment rate than the UK as a whole in the latest period according to official figures.

The jobless rate remained static at 4% between September and November 2017, down 1% on the same period in the previous year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Over the same period the unemployment rate in the rest of the UK was 4.3%, while in Northern Ireland it fell to 3.8% and in Wales it was up slightly to 4.9%.

For all those aged 16 and over, unemployment north of the border fell by 1,000 to 112,000, while the number of people in work increased by 7,000 to 2,662,000.

The economic activity rate also rose slightly over the three months to 62.8%.

For those aged between 16 and 64, unemployment rose 1,000 to 110,000 with the number in work down 9,000 and the employment rate down slightly to 75%.

The economic inactivity rate for those of working age increased slightly to 21.7%.

Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn said: These latest figures show 97,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak in Scotland's economy and labour market, with rises in the numbers of people in work over the quarter and the year.

It is also encouraging to see youth unemployment and female employment rates continuing to outperform the rest of the UK.

The 2018/19 Draft Budget includes an extra #270 million of support for Scotland's economy, including a new #150 million Building Scotland Fund to increase house building, commercial property and research and development, and #340 million to capitalise a Scottish National Investment Bank.

These results come despite the economic uncertainty caused by Brexit. We have been absolutely clear that the best option for Scotland's economy and labour market is the one people voted for - remaining within the EU.'