Rise in number of Scots in work as labour market makes 'strong recovery'

The number of people in work in Scotland has risen, as the economy continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Official figures published on Tuesday indicate that unemployment also remains at a record-low level.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the unemployment rate for those aged 16 and over between February and April this year was 3.2%.

It represents the same rate as that which was recorded in the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, across the UK, the unemployment rate for that age group was 3.8%.

The employment rate in Scotland for those aged between 16 and 64 between February and April increased slightly to 75.5%.

It means that the rate is up one percentage point on the previous quarter.

Separate HMRC early estimates show 2.42 million payrolled employees in Scotland in May 2022 – 37,000 more than in February 2020, before the pandemic.

Scottish employment minister Richard Lochhead said the figures published by the ONS show a “strong recovery” in Scotland’s labour market.

“With the unemployment rate falling over the quarter to a joint record low of 3.2 per cent, and the employment rate increasing by 1.0 percentage point, the resilience of the Scottish economy is clear,” he said.

“While today’s figures show a strong recovery in Scotland’s labour market, we continue to face economic challenges with the rising cost of living, the continued impact of Brexit and recovery from the effects of the pandemic and the economic consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“The Scottish Government is firmly focused on delivering the ambitious National Strategy for Economic Transformation which will help us build an economy of secure, sustainable and satisfying jobs.

“A key part of this strategy is to provide people with the skills they need to gain new opportunities and ensure new and current businesses are supported in investing in innovative ideas that could lead to new industries and quality jobs across the country.”