Up to 1 in 4 Scottish homes is ‘workless’

‘Deeply concerning’

ONE in four households in some areas of Scotland has no one in work, latest figures show.

Up to 25 per cent of families are classified as ‘workless’ – a number significantly higher than the UK average.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that soaring numbers of households do not have any adults in employment – rising by 5,000 in the past 12 months.

A regional breakdown shows that North Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow City are among the worst performing areas in the UK, with a quarter of households having no one in work. Across Scotland, 18.3 per cent of households are classed as workless – 3 per cent higher than the UK average of 15.3 per cent.

However, in some areas of the country this soars to 25 per cent.

Last night, the figures were described as ‘deeply concerning’ and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was urged to ‘get her act together’.

An ONS report published yesterday confirmed figures released last month showing the rise in workless households north of the Border – this has soared by 5,000 in 12 months from 325,000 to 330,000.

It also provided a regional breakdown, highlighting that North Ayrshire and Inverclyde are among the UK’s top five areas for workless households.

North Ayrshire was second on the UK-wide list, up from 35 in 2014, with 12,000 workless households – 25.9 per cent. Inverclyde was fifth on the list, rising from 27 three years ago, with 7,000 workless homes – 25.1 per cent.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Alex Rowley said: ‘These figures are deeply concerning but sadly unsurprising.

‘We have been saying for some time that the underlying picture for the labour market is not as rosy as the headline figures suggest.

‘Economic inactivity remains a concern, along with weak earnings growth and a reduction in average hours worked.

‘Nicola Sturgeon needs to get her act together and focus on driving Scotland’s economy.

‘With income tax devolved, it is vital that we expand the economy and increase revenues by creating the high-skilled, high-paid jobs of the future.’

Glasgow, East Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire, Dundee City and Clackmannanshire were among the areas with a high workless total.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We have the lowest unemployment rate in the UK.

‘In Scotland, the percentage of people in workless households because of unemployment is below the UK average. Over a third of workless households are due to reasons of ill health or disability.

‘Scotland’s labour market continues to perform well in the face of significant economic challenges.

‘Over the year unemployment is down, employment is up and Scotland’s youth unemployment rate is among the lowest in the EU.’