Jobless rate rises as rest of UK plummets
SCOTLAND’S jobless total has soared to 120,000 in three months as unemployment levels elsewhere in the UK plummeted.
The number of Scots out of work has continued to rise, with the country’s unemployment rate now above that of England and Wales.
However, the total number of people in employment did rise slightly.
The figures were published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday as Scottish Secretary David Mundell urged the SNP to use its powers to get more people into work.
Mr Mundell said: ‘Scotland’s employment level has improved and this is good news for people who have the safety and security of a job. However, this rate is still below that of the rest of the UK.
‘I urge the Scottish Government to use its powers to help more people into work and strengthen Scotland’s economy.’
The number of people out of work north of the Border rose to 120,000 from 115,000 in the three months between March and May.
The total number of people in employment rose slightly by 1,000 to 2.64 million. Scotland’s unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent over the period, up slightly from 4.2 per cent in the previous three months and up from 3.8 per cent in the same quarter last year.
The ONS figures show the unemployment rate for people aged 16 years and over was 4.2 per cent for the UK as a whole.
Scotland’s employment rate for those of working age – 16 to 64 – stood at 75.5 per cent
Fair Work Minister Jamie Hepburn said: ‘With another rise in employment rate and fall in inactivity rate Scotland’s economy and jobs market remains strong despite the challenges facing our economy as a result of Brexit.’