Figures show fall in rate of employment

Unemployment in Scotland increased slightly last quarter, according to latest figures. Between July and September this year, the unemployment rate among those aged 16 years and over was 3.5%, which was 0.3% up on the previous quarter, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed.

There were 98,000 Scots out of work, according to the latest data, with this up by 9,000 from the period April to June.

At the same time the number of Scots in employment fell by 8,000.

Across the UK, the unemployment rate rose to 3.6% in the three months to September, up from 3.5% in the previous three months.

In Scotland, the employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 years was 75.3% between July and September – 0.1% down on the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government said the employment rate for women in Scotland aged 16-64 was the highest since the Labour Force Survey series began in 1992, at 75.2%.

Scotland’s employment minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Scottish labour market continues to show resilience in the face of ongoing challenges to the economy with marginal changes over the quarter to the employment, unemployment and inactivity rates.

“The ongoing cost-ofliving crisis, along with the damaging effects of the UK Government’s recent mini-budget and the continuing adverse consequences of the UK Government’s Brexit policies, are impacting on Scotland’s businesses and workforce.

“Ahead of the chancellor’s statement, we are engaging with the UK Government to urge the use of its reserved powers and financial resources to help people and businesses through this cost-of-living crisis, to rule out a return to austerity, and through its devolved funding arrangements to better equip the Scottish Government to deal with these exceptional economic challenges.

“The Scottish Government is doing all it can to alleviate the labour shortages reported by Scottish businesses.

“However, the UK Government holds key powers over migration, visas and key parts of employment law. I have been calling on the UK Government to establish a joint taskforce with devolved nations to alleviate the pressures that current labour market shortages pose.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “Scotland’s labour market remains strong, with today’s figures showing unemployment still at near-record lows and significantly more people on the payroll than at this time last year.

“While the figures are encouraging, we appreciate the pressures on many families as we continue to face significant global economic challenges.”

LABOUR MARKET: Unemployment in Scotland increased slightly in the last quarter.