Jobless figures at a seven-year low
The number of people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang claiming j o b s e e ke r s allowance fell to its lowest level in seven years last month.
Figures released last week by NOMIS showed 1802 people in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency claimed during September.
The last time a lower number was recorded was back in August 2008.
September and August were also the first time two months had been under 2000 in a row for the first time since October 2008.
However, the area still lags behind the rest of the country with a JSA rate of 2.6 per cent, compared with 1.9 per cent for Scotland and 1.6 per cent for the UK.
Since 2006, the highest recorded figure was 3852 in February 2012, meaning the number has fallen by over 53 per cent.
Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP, Margaret Ferrier, reckons the figures are encouraging, but she hoped they would improve even more over the coming months.
She said: “Whilst l ow unemployment figures are welcome, there is always room for improvement.
“I’m proud that the Scottish Government have enabled entrepreneurs to start up their own enterprises, creating jobs and prosperity though the Small Business Bonus Scheme.
“I welcome news announced by John Swinney at the weekend that the Scottish Government will give local authorities the power to cut business rates from the end of this month.
“If used correctly, this power will allow South Lanarkshire Council to enable more job creation and local regeneration.
“The devolution of business rate powers from Edinburgh to local councils has been keenly welcomed by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and I eagerly await plans from the council on how they fully intend to take advantage of them to promote further job growth.”