Scottish unemployment total falls

The number of people looking for work is down by 6,000

Unemployment in Scotland fell by 6,000 in the three months to the end of March, according to the new figures.

International Labour Organisation statistics showed the unemployment total was 124,000, which was 7,000 down on the same quarter last year.

The jobless rate dropped to 4.7%, compared to a UK average of 5.2%.

The separate claimant count measure of the number of people out of work and receiving Jobseeker's Allowance showed an increase of 900 to 70,100 in April.

But this figure is 8,900 lower over the year.

Over the quarter total employment rose by 5,000 to 2,537,000.

The Scottish employment rate continues to outstrip the UK average, a trend we will do everything possible to perpetuate Jim Mather Enterprise Minister

Scotland Office Minister David Cairns said the figures were "very encouraging".

He said: "In difficult global economic conditions, a quarterly rise in employment levels and a quarterly fall in unemployment levels are testament to the Government's consistently responsible macro-economic policies.

"The strength of the Scottish labour market over recent months and years reflects the fact that we have made economic stability a priority."

But commenting on the latest figures, CBI Scotland's policy executive Iain Ferguson said: "The decline in joblessness in Scotland is very encouraging and appears to be bucking the trend when compared to the rest of the UK.

"This decline has helped maintain Scotland's position as having a rate which is amongst the lowest of all the UK regions.

"However, the easing back of the growth rate of the UK economy in the months ahead means there can be no room for complacency."

Scottish Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "The Scottish employment rate continues to outstrip the UK average, a trend we will do everything possible to perpetuate.

"We are committed to creating a competitive business environment where people want to invest and work and deliver increased sustainable economic growth for the whole of Scotland."

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