Scotland’s unemployment rate has fallen to a record low of 3.8% over the last quarter.
This represents a decrease over the year of 1.6 percentage points and means Scotland's unemployment rate is below that of the other four UK nations for March to May 2017, the latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics show.
Over the quarter, unemployment fell by 19,000 to 104,000, while the number of people in work increased by 25,000. Meanwhile, the employment rate increased by 0.7 percentage points over the quarter to 74.1%.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown MSP said:
“These latest figures show our labour market remains resilient and robust with unemployment now at a record low.
"When considered alongside the fact that last week showed Scotland’s growth rate over the last quarter to be four times that of the UK, this is further evidence of the strength of the Scottish economy.
“It is also encouraging to see that we continue to perform strongly in female participation, with the female unemployment rate continuing to decline while youth unemployment has fallen from 14% in 2007, now stands at 8.4% and continues to be amongst the lowest of all 28 EU states."
Kenneth Gibson added:
“I am delighted that, even in challenging economic circumstances, the Scottish unemployment rate is at an all-time low.
“However, we cannot afford to be complacent. Brexit continues to loom over us like the sword of Damocles and a double-edged one at that. Not only does it threaten to cost our economy up to £11,000 million a year by 2030 and 80,000 jobs over a decade; there is also a real risk there will be a shortage of certain skills if the UK Government does not allow EU nationals to remain here with the same rights as UK citizens post-Brexit.
”Fortunately, the SNP Government takes these issues seriously and will continue to support growth and jobs in Scotland through measures such as its £500 million Scottish Growth Scheme and £6,000 million infrastructure plan while working to ensure we have the right mix of skills and people needed to secure our future prosperity."
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