The number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) fell by 700 to 54,000 in October 2016. The level is down by 14,600 on October 2015The Office for National Statistics has today released data showing that the Scottish unemployment rate is 4.7 per cent, which is below the rate of 4.8 per cent for the whole of the UK.
The labour market statistics also show that employment in Scotland fell by 25,000 over the three months to September 2016. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,604,000.
Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said:
“It is good news that unemployment continues to fall in Scotland.
“But with Scotland’s employment rates now lagging behind the rate of the UK and economic inactivity on the rise, these figures should be a concern to the Scottish Government.
“It is important they use their budget next month to set out how they plan to use the significant new tax and welfare powers they now have to support the Scottish economy.
“The UK Government is supporting people into work and backing businesses to grow and create jobs across the UK, as we build a country that works for everyone.”
Headline statistics for the July to September 2016 quarter:
- Employment in Scotland fell by 25,000 over the quarter, and by 12,000 over the year, to stand at 2,604,000.
- The Scots employment rate fell by 0.5 p.p. over the quarter to 73.6 per cent. The rate is below the UK average of 74.5 per cent.
- Unemployment in Scotland fell by 14,000 over the quarter and is down 38,000 over the year. The level now stands at 129,000.
- At 4.7 per cent, the Scottish unemployment rate is below the UK’s rate of 4.8 per cent.
- Economic activity fell by 39,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,733,000. Also, the economic activity rate decreased over the year to stand at 77.4 per cent.
- In September 2016, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance was 54,000 and claimant count, including Universal Credit was 83,100.
Latest Data for Scotland:
Employment
The Labour Force Survey indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from July to September 2016 was 2,604,000. Employment was down by 25,000 compared to the previous three months, and by 12,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate was down 0.5 percentage points on the previous quarter, and down by 0.6 percentage points compared the same quarter last year. By comparison, the Scottish employment rate is below the UK average of 74.5 per cent.
Unemployment
Unemployment in Scotland was down by 14,000 over the quarter July to September 2016 at 129,000. The level was down 38,000 on the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was down 0.4 p.p. on the previous quarter at 4.7 per cent, which is down 1.3 p.p. over the year.
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit
The number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) fell by 700 to 54,000 in October 2016. The level is down by 14,600 on October 2015. The claimant count level (JSA and Universal Credit) is up 700 over the month at 83,100 and the rate is unchanged over the month and up 0.1 p.p. the year to 3.0 per cent.
Economic Activity
The number of economically active (defined as those in employment or ILO unemployed, and seasonally adjusted) in Scotland in the July to September 2016 quarter was 2,733,000. This was down 39,000 on the previous quarter, and by 49,000 on prior year levels. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 77.4 per cent, down 0.9 p.p. on the previous quarter, and down 1.6 p.p. over the year.
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