11 November 2009
Commenting on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today, the Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy said:
"These latest figures are a reminder that the Scottish economy continues to suffer because of the worldwide economic crisis. Today's figures are a real blow for those who have lost their jobs. While much of the talk is about the recession coming to an end, it has just started for some families who have lost their jobs.
"However, I am also certain UK Government measures are having a critical impact in supporting people during this downturn. Government actions, such as the Future Jobs Fund, the Young Persons Guarantee and Backing Young Britain have been directly providing jobs, helping people find new jobs and also supporting people in the jobs they are already in. If the Government had decided to stand by and take no action at all unemployment would now be substantially higher."
ONS labour market statistics released today show total employment in Scotland at 2,500,000, a fall of 3,000 over the previous quarter and a fall of 56,000 over the year. The Scottish employment rate stands at 73.9 per cent, and continues to be above that of the UK and almost all countries within the EU.
The claimant count measure (those people out of work and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)) increased by 2,200 over the month and by 46,900 over the year to a total of 134,800 for October 2009. The claimant count rate increased by 0.1 p.p. to 4.8 per cent.
Unemployment increased to 194,000 - a 4,000 rise over the quarter and a 67,000 rise over the year. The Scottish unemployment rate is 7.2 per cent, which remains below the UK average unemployment rate of 7.8 per cent.
Economic activity increased by 2,000 over the quarter to 2,694,000, and increased by 11,000 over the year. The Scottish economic activity rate remains above the UK average.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from July to September 2009 was 2,500,000. Employment was down by 3,000 compared to the previous three months and down by 56,000 compared to the same period last year. The employment rate fell by 0.1 p.p. over the quarter, and fell 2.4 p.p. over the year, to 73.9 per cent. In international terms, the Scottish employment rate remains above the UK average and the corresponding rate for the majority of other EU countries.
Unemployment in Scotland was up 4,000 over the quarter July to September 2009, to 194,000. The level was up 67,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was up 0.2 p.p. from the previous quarter to 7.2 per cent, which is up 2.5 p.p. over the year.
The claimant count in Scotland, based on the seasonally adjusted number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA), increased by 2,200 from September, to 134,800. The level is up by 46,900 on October 2008. The claimant count rate is up 0.1 p.p. over the month to 4.8 per cent, up 1.7 p.p. over the year.
The number of economically active (defined as those in employment or ILO unemployed, seasonally adjusted) in Scotland in the July to September 2009 quarter was 2,694,000. This was an increase of 2,000 on the previous quarter, and an increase of 11,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-59/64, the economic activity rate was 79.8 per cent, up 0.1 p.p. on the previous quarter, and down 0.3 p.p. over the year.
To access the data from the ONS site, click on the following link:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=15084
Select the link "Regional Monthly Data - September 2009" which will prompt you to unzip a folder of Excel files. Then select the file "LMSScot1108" to access the data.