Jobless total falls in Scotland despite rising elsewhere in the UK

0 Jamie Hepburn, inset, says he will keep working to find a future for the Michelin plant Unemployment in Scotland has fallen by almost 12,000 – while rising elsewhere around the UK.

The number of Scots out of work fell to 103,000 among over 16s, although the number of people in work was also down by 6,000 to 2.64 million.

It means Scotland’s unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent is now below the 4.1 per cent Uk-wide rate, the figures for July to September show. The reason for the fall in unemployment, as well as declining numbers for those in work is because there has been a drop in those classed as “economically active” – the size of the potential workforce – by 18,000.

The Uk-wide picture saw unemployment rise by 21,000, but the number of people are in work rose by 23,000 to a record high of 32.4 million. Scotland’s employment rate of 75 per cent among 16 to 64s is 0.5 per cent below the Ukwide rate.

Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said the unemployment rate was “the joint lowest level on record” and said will work continuing to find a future for the Michelin plant in Dundee, which employees more than 800 people.

Mr Hepburn said: “Although overall employment fell very slightly over the quarter and the year, on employment for women and young people we continue to outperform the UK with an employment rate of 71.2 per cent for women, higher than the UK rate of 71.0 per cent, and an employment rate for young people of 59.1 per cent, higher than the UK rate of 55.7 per cent.

“Compared to the UK, we also have lower rates of unemployment for both women and young people. Whilst the situation in Dundee with Michelin remains a concern, the Scottish Government will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to find a viable and sustainable future for the plant and its highly skilled workforce.”

Scottish Secretary David Mundell warned there was “no room for complacency”.

“I’mconcernedthateconomic activity in Scotland is falling and that our inactivity rate is above that for the UK.

“The Scottish Government needs to focus on using its extensive powers and work with us on ensuring that Scotland’s economy thrives.”

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “While any fall in unemployment is welcome,thedropinemployment once again points to the structural weaknesses in Scotland’s economy. It is extremely disappointing to note that inactivity rates have increased.

“It is now clear that output, employment and productivity in Scotland under the SNP has flatlined.”