Encouraging employment stats

The number of unemployed Monklands residents has halved compared with the same time period five years ago.

A total of 1565 residents of Airdrie & Shotts claimed job seekers’ allowance last month, which represents a reduction of 50 per cent on 2012 – but an increase of five people on last year’s statistics.

The Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill ward had 1500 unemployed residents, which was a drop of 30 from last year and, once again, a 50 per cent decrease on five years ago.

The encouraging labour market figures also revealed the number of jobseekers across North Lanarkshire last month was 5730, a 49 per cent decrease on 2012’s statistics.

The Office for National Statistics revealed 2.7million people are in work across Scotland and, at 4.0 per cent, the country’s unemployment rate is below that for the UK as a whole.

The Scottish employment rate remained unchanged over the quarter to stand at 75.2 per cent.

Scottish secretary David Mundell said: “It is encouraging to see Scotland’s employment remaining close to the record highs seen earlier in the year.

“However, the slight rise in unemployment is disappointing and shows there can be no complacency as we tackle Scotland’s economic challenges.

“With growth in Scotland continuing to lag behind the rest of the UK, I urge the Scottish Government to use their economic levers more effectively.”