Unemployment in Scotland remains low amid cost of living crisis

The rate of unemployment in Scotland remained low in the last quarter, according to new figures.

Office of National Statistics (ONS) data showed that for March to May 2022, the country’s estimated unemployment rate increased only slightly to 3.5%.

In the same period, the estimated employment rate also rose by 0.6% to 75.4%.

When compared to the previous quarter, however, unemployment has risen – in May, the rate of unemployment in Scotland was at a record low of 3.2%.

There were 2.42 million payrolled people north of the border in June 2022 – 37,000 (1.5%) more than in February 2020, prior to the pandemic.

Public finance minister Tom Arthur said: “The Scottish economy still shows signs of resilience with the employment rate increasing by 0.6 percentage points over the quarter.

“While today’s figures continue to show recovery in Scotland’s labour market, Scotland continues 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 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.”