Number of unemployed in Scotland rises 9,000 as wages see fall

● Data also shows 40,000 more in work as employment level nears record high

The number of unemployed people in Scotland has risen by 9,000 to 113,000 from June to August this year, official figures have shown.

The unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage points over the same period to 4.1 per cent, but was behind the 4.3 per cent recorded for the UK as a whole.

According to the Office for National Statistics, unemployment reached 113,000 for all those aged 16 and over.

For those aged between 16 and 64, unemployment rose by 6,000 to 109,000, with the number in work up 40,000 and the employment rate hitting 75.3 per cent – a figure comparing favourably with the UK employment rate of 75.1 per cent.

The data showed pay packets were failing to keep pace with inflation. The real value of earnings was down 0.3 per cent over the past year, despite total earnings, including bonuses, rising by 2.2 per cent in the three-month period.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said the increase in employment was “encouraging”, pointing out that it was “close to record levels”.

However, he expressed disappointment at the rise in unemployment, adding: “We must remain focused on boosting Scotland’s economy. Growth in Scotland lags behinds the rest of the UK and I’d urge the Scottish Government to use their considerable economic levers more effectively.”

Scottish Government employability minister Jamie Hepburn said the latest figures were “encouraging and among the highest on record”.

He said: “Scotland has higher employment rates and lower unemployment rates than the UK, with 91,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak.

“Youth unemployment rates continue to outperform the UK. This comes on top of us fulfilling our commitment to reduce youth unemployment by 40 per cent four years ahead of schedule.

“While these figures are positive, we recognise there are still many barriers to getting people into work and are continuing to work to improve labour market conditions.”

Scottish Labour’s economy spokeswoman Jackie Baillie expressed concern at the falling real wages.

Ms Baillie said: “These figures should make sobering reading for both the Tory and SNP governments. Unemployment is up and wages continue to fall. Coupled with rising inflation, this means working people in Scotland are being left worse off.

“This is unacceptable and once again shows the SNP is asleep at the wheel when it comes to managing our economy.”