15/08/2013

Scottish Employment Highest Since 2009

A 13,000 rise in employment in Scotland has seen the figure rise to the highest level since 2009.

The labour market figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today show the number of people in employment rose by 13,000 and the rate rose by 0.3% to 72.1% in the three month period April to June 2013.

The UK headline employment rate rose by 0.1% to 71.5% per cent during the same time period.

The rate of youth unemployment in Scotland has decreased by 2% over the year to 19.1%.

The number of young people unemployed has decreased by 14,000, making it the ninth consecutive monthly release indicating falling youth unemployment.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "Not only is the unemployment rate lower than this time last year, but the number of people claiming job seekers allowance has fallen to its lowest level since June 2009. Our youth employment rate is also surpassing that of the UK.

"Last month’s GDP data show Scottish output increased by 1.2% over the last year. The continuing recovery in the Scottish economy will contribute to the increase in employment.

"We can build on these figures but we cannot allow Westminster’s continued pursuit of austerity over economic recovery to derail the positive developments we are seeing in Scotland."

Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: "Today is further evidence that the Scottish government is taking the right approach in supporting young people into employment. We have worked hard to create training opportunities that will help those aged 24 and under gain experience and build up their confidence so they are in the best possible position to take up a job.

"Through Opportunities for All we have guaranteed every 16 to 19 year the offer of a place in training or education, we are funding 25,000 new Modern Apprenticeships every year and we have made funding available across the whole of Scotland to help small and medium sized companies create new youth jobs.

"The latest school leaver data shows that more young people that ever are staying in positive destinations such as college, university, training or employment, and record exam results for 2013 also show that are young people are taking school attainment very seriously ahead of their first steps into the jobs market."

(IT/CD)

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