Statistics show city has lowest level of people in work

DUNDEE: Only 65% of population are in employment

Dundee has the lowest level of people in work in Scotland, according to the latest statistics published by the Scottish Government.

The Annual Population Survey, which covers the year up to September 30 2017, shows just under two-thirds, 65.1%, of the city’s labour force is currently employed, the lowest of all 32 local authority areas and 8.8% lower than the Scottish average.

So called “economic inactivity” meanwhile has gone up by 7% in Dundee since 2008 – the biggest increase of any area.

Since last year, economic inactivity has increased by 3.8%, second only to Angus, which has experienced a 4% increase.

Employment rates and economic inactivity in Fife are in line with the Scottish average while Perth and Kinross fairs better than average in both areas.

“Dundee and the wider Tayside area is on the brink of a cultural and financial renaissance. MSP BILL BOWMAN

Lochee Labour councillor Michael Marra said the figures showed the council’s policies were not providing for the less well-off.

He said: “The kind of economy we have is not delivering for people.

“This is why Scottish Labour locally have campaigned for decommissioning jobs and a working river that provides employment for people whose skills are currently redundant.

“The Tay Cities Deal must deliver those industrial jobs.”

Chris Law, SNP MP for Dundee West, pointed to the new Scottish Social Security HQ which is to be based in Dundee and an increase in youth employment and female employment as examples of a “bright” future for the city.

City development convener Lynne Short said: “Despite having a large student population, who are generally considered to be economically inactive, we have managed to increase the number of young people in employment which is good to see.”

Conservative North East region MSP Bill Bowman added: “Dundee and the wider Tayside area is on the brink of a cultural and financial renaissance.

“But there is still a spectre of rising unemployment which blights the lives of thousands of everyday Dundonians.”

jkeith@thecourier.co.uk