Huge boost in employment and the economy for Scotland

Unemployment in Scotland has plummeted again – with the rate now 0.5 per cent lower than the rest of the UK, figures published today have revealed.

The number of those out of work dropped in the last three months by a further 40,000, meaning unemployment is now at 5.5 per cent.

Statistics relating to employment were also encouraging, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing more than 2.6 million people are now in work, 35,000 more than the previous quarter.

Employment is currently at 73.9 per cent, compared to 73 per cent across the whole UK.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data was also published, which revealed another 0.9 per cent growth between June and August this year.

That’s the eighth successive quarter the economy north of the border has grown, with services, production and construction all recording improved performances.

The Scottish Conservatives said the boost in employment and the economy proved the UK Government’s long-term economic plan is working for Scotland.

The party also criticised an intervention from the SNP attempting to take credit for the strong figures.

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Gavin Brown MSP said:

“These figures are all moving in the right direction and the signs for the future are very encouraging.

“There’s no room for complacency, and now is the time to do all we can to make sure these statistics keep improving.

“It’s well-known that macro-economic policy rests with the UK Government, so the success we are now seeing can be attributed to the work it has done and the decisions it has made.

“It’s surprising to see the SNP attempt to take credit for this, particularly given it spends so much of its time claiming it doesn’t have enough economic levers to make any kind of a difference.”