2,000 more Scots out of work... as jobless rate falls in rest of UK

UNEMPLOYMENT has risen in Scotland despite falling in every other part of the UK, it was revealed yesterday.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland all experienced a drop in jobless rates between July and September – but in Scotland the number of people out of work increased by ,000.

Official figures show unemployment rose to 4 per cent from 3.9 per cent in the previous three months – but a decrease from 4.7 per cent in the same period last year.

For those 16 and older, the jobless figure went up by ,000 to 109,000. The number of people in work also increased by ,000 over the quarter. Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: ‘It is encouraging to see Scotland’s employment remaining close to 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.

‘I urge the Scottish Government to use their considerable economic levers more effectively.’

The jobless total across the entire UK fell by 59,000 between July and September to 1.4 million.

For those 16 to 64, unemployment rose by 4,000 to 108,000, with the employment rate staying at 75. per cent.

Across the UK the unemployment rate for people 16 and older was down 0. percentage points to 4.3 per cent.

Wales fell 0.3 percentage points to 4.1 per cent and Northern Ireland dropped 1. percentage points to 4 per cent.

Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn said: ‘These latest employment figures are encouraging and show Scotland has higher employment rates and lower unemployment rates than the UK, with 88,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak.

‘We recognise there are still many barriers to getting people into work and are continuing t o work to i mprove l abour market conditions.’