Unemployment in Scotland rose by 16,000 during the past year

Unemployment in Scotland has increased by 16,000 over the past year and remains above the UK average.

The latest statistics released on Wednesday showed that there were 223,000 out of work between May and July this year.

This represented a rise in 4000 unemployed from the previous quarter and saw the Scottish joblessness rate sit at 8.2%, above the UK national average of 8.1%.

The rise comes after joblessness in Scotland fell to below the national average between April and June this year. Youth unemployment in Scotland rose to 24.3%, according to the latest statistics.

Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said: "These figures show the scale of the challenge we face in these difficult economic conditions. Any fall in the number of people working in Scotland is a serious issue and has a critical impact on the households and individuals affected.

"That is why we are taking decisive steps to get the economy back into growth and people into work. Creating new employment is something which needs the full focus of both of Scotland’s governments and we must work together to achieve it.

"The UK Government is doing its part to deliver a stable economy and reduce the deficit. We are helping businesses create jobs by simplifying the business environment and reforming the tax system. We are also reducing public borrowing and maintain investor confidence while lowering corporation tax and keeping interest rates low while we rebalance the economy and get lending to business moving."

Employment in Scotland rose by 4000 over the quarter, and remained unchanged over the year, to stand at 2,490,000, meaning the rate stands at 71.4%, above the UK average of 71.2%.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The employment rate in Scotland has continued to climb and for the 22nd consecutive monthly statistics release remains higher than the UK rate. Our youth employment rate remains above that of the UK and our female employment rate is the highest of any nation within the UK.

"These positive indications are offset by a rise in unemployment which reinforces our calls for an economic stimulus from the UK Government to boost jobs and promote growth."

Related articles

People who read this story also read