The latest August to October quarterly figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today, show that Scotland now has its lowest unemployment rate on record from August to October 2018.
Scotland’s unemployment rate dropped by 0.4 percentage points to 3.7%. This is lower than the UK rate of 4.1% - where unemployment remained unchanged over the quarter.
Business Minister Jamie Hepburn MSP commented:
“The Scottish economy and jobs market remain strong despite the continued challenges of Brexit.
“We continue to outperform the UK 58.8% for young people, higher than the UK rate of 55.9%. Compared to the UK we also have lower rates of unemployment for both women and young people.
“We remain committed to creating the right economic environment for jobs growth and our record on unemployment shows this is working. However, Brexit remains the biggest threat to Scotland’s prosperity and these statistics reinforce the urgent need to ensure the positive work we are doing to strengthen our economy is not undone.
“The upcoming Budget will set out how we help protect Scotland as far as we can from the damaging uncertainty of Brexit and how we will deliver on our vision of a healthier, wealthier and fairer country.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“I am encouraged by this continuing trend across Scotland and support the SNP Government it its holistic approach to creating economic growth, including initiatives such as the £18 million Advanced Manufacturing Challenge Fund, £2 million to help small businesses expand, STEM bursaries, increased free nursery and childcare provision and so on.
“With a view to creating economic opportunities and jobs in North Ayrshire, it was extremely disappointing that the UK Government again failed to announce its support for an Ayrshire Growth Deal when the Chancellor announced the draft budget last month. Instead, he announced that Scotland’s 2019/20 resource grant will be £1,900 million (6.6%) lower in real terms than in 2010/11.
“Despite being stifled by the UK Tory Government, I want to see a more significant reduction of unemployment in Cunninghame North and I continue to work with colleagues in Holyrood, Westminster, North Ayrshire Council and various other sectors towards that.”
ENDS
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