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Scottish jobless total falls again | Scottish jobless total falls again |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Unemployment in Scotland has remained below 200,000 for the second time in a row, after a further fall in the total. | Unemployment in Scotland has remained below 200,000 for the second time in a row, after a further fall in the total. |
The number of jobless fell by 7,000 between January and March to stand at 199,000, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. | The number of jobless fell by 7,000 between January and March to stand at 199,000, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. |
The fall contrasted with figures for the UK as a whole, which saw unemployment rise by 15,000 to 2.52 million. | The fall contrasted with figures for the UK as a whole, which saw unemployment rise by 15,000 to 2.52 million. |
The Scottish jobless rate is now 7.3%, which is below the UK average of 7.8%. | The Scottish jobless rate is now 7.3%, which is below the UK average of 7.8%. |
Employment in Scotland rose by 54,000 over the three months to stand at 2,517,000. | Employment in Scotland rose by 54,000 over the three months to stand at 2,517,000. |
The Scottish government said it was the largest quarterly increase in employment on record. | The Scottish government said it was the largest quarterly increase in employment on record. |
The number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) increased by 100 from March to reach 136,800. | The number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) increased by 100 from March to reach 136,800. |
'Measures working' | 'Measures working' |
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said the latest labour market figures for Scotland were "another welcome step in the right direction". | Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said the latest labour market figures for Scotland were "another welcome step in the right direction". |
"This shows that the measures we are taking on the economy are working," he commented. | "This shows that the measures we are taking on the economy are working," he commented. |
"However, there is still a long way to go and unemployment remains a huge concern for families and individuals in Scotland. | "However, there is still a long way to go and unemployment remains a huge concern for families and individuals in Scotland. |
"It is therefore important that we maintain our economic strategy, working together with all partners to ensure that unemployment continues to fall." | "It is therefore important that we maintain our economic strategy, working together with all partners to ensure that unemployment continues to fall." |
Welcoming the figures, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Scotland is outperforming the UK with a higher employment rate and lower unemployment rate. | Welcoming the figures, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Scotland is outperforming the UK with a higher employment rate and lower unemployment rate. |
"And our youth employment rate is continuing to make encouraging progress, with more young people in work and youth unemployment falling again." | "And our youth employment rate is continuing to make encouraging progress, with more young people in work and youth unemployment falling again." |
'Clear course' | 'Clear course' |
Mr Salmond added: "The Scottish government, our agencies and employers across Scotland have set a clear course for recovery. | Mr Salmond added: "The Scottish government, our agencies and employers across Scotland have set a clear course for recovery. |
"We are working hard to get people back into work and to create opportunities for our young people." | "We are working hard to get people back into work and to create opportunities for our young people." |
CBI Scotland senior policy executive Lauren Paterson said the figures were "very welcome indeed". | CBI Scotland senior policy executive Lauren Paterson said the figures were "very welcome indeed". |
She added: "Despite the challenging economic times, the Scottish labour market is showing resilience, with jobs being created and fewer people unemployed. | She added: "Despite the challenging economic times, the Scottish labour market is showing resilience, with jobs being created and fewer people unemployed. |
"The latter figure especially indicates that the private sector is gradually regaining the confidence to hire, and all parties must do their utmost to ensure that this trend continues." | "The latter figure especially indicates that the private sector is gradually regaining the confidence to hire, and all parties must do their utmost to ensure that this trend continues." |
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland also welcomed the latest jobless figures. | |
Scottish policy convenor Andy Willox said: "Falling Scottish unemployment is good news, not only for the individuals and families now receiving a regular pay packet, but for the local economies where these wages will be spent. | |
"By supporting and developing our small business community, we can ensure that this trend continues." |