Scottish employment rates reach record high

by XPRESS, 12 June 2019

Employment rates in Scotland have reached an all-time high. It is the highest rate ever recorded, while unemployment rates have decreased.

Labour market statistics found that just over 75% of Scottish people aged between 16 and 64 were in employment between February and March this year. Across the UK employment rates are also high at 76.1%.

However, over 20% of Scottish people of working age have remained financially dormant.

The Scottish Government celebrated the figures cautiously, wanring that Brexit could lead to job loss across the country. The UK Government claims its investment in Scotland helped achieve the record rates.

Nationwide, wages has risen by 3.4% compared with last year. Including inflation, wage growth equals to 1.4%.

The national unemployment rate remained at 3.8%. UK-wide the unemployment rate hasn't been so low since October to December 1974, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The national employment rate for women was 72%, the highest ever recorded.

Jamie Hepburn, employment minister, said: “Despite the UK Government’s EU exit plans, Scotland’s economy and jobs market continues to perform consistently well. And the Scottish Government’s commitment to fair work for all is again reflected in these results.

“The Scottish Government has consistently been clear that the best option for the future wellbeing and prosperity of Scotland is to stay in the European Union. Otherwise we will see people become poorer and lose their jobs.”

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “It is encouraging to see that the number of people employed in Scotland is at a record high, while unemployment continues to fall.

“The UK Government is investing in Scotland’s economy including more than £1.35 billion in city and growth deals, creating opportunities, jobs and long-term growth."