Unemployment down 25,000 to lowest level since 2008

Figures also show the number of people in work decreased

Unemployment has fallen by 25,000 in three months, bringing the jobless total in Scotland to the lowest level since 2008.

Figures for the period June to August showed 127,000 people were out of work, 44,000 fewer than the same period last year.

The unemployment rate was recorded as being 4.6%, lower than the rate of 4.9% for the UK as a whole.

While unemployment fell, the Office for National Statistics data also showed employment declined over the same period.

Between June and August this year the number of people in work decreased by 8,000 to 2,618,000 – although this total was still 7,000 higher than the same period last year.

While Scotland had a better unemployment rate than the UK, the employment rate was worse, at 74% compared to 74.5% across Britain.

There was also a slight increase in the number of Scots out of work and claiming jobseeker’s allowance, which rose by 600 over the month to 55,000 in September – but that total is significantly lower than it was the previous year, having fallen by 15,500 from September 2015.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “I am pleased to see unemployment falling again in Scotland and it is now at its lowest level since 2008.

Holyrood employability minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Despite continuing economic concerns following the EU referendum result, these latest statistics show our policies and investment are helping to reduce unemployment.”

Jamie Hepburn.