THE number of people in work in Scotland fell by 48,000 between February and April, official figures show, leaving the country with a workforce of 2,580,000.
Unemployment fell by 11,000, with 160,000 the new total of jobless.
The jobless rate north of the Border continues to be higher than that of the whole of the UK, at 5.8 per cent compared to five per cent.
The Scottish Government highlighted figures on the rates of women in employment and youth employment, unemployment and inactivity rates, where Scotland “outperforms” the UK.
Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “A fall in unemployment is to be welcomed, but as the employment rate has also fallen we are clear we need to increase our efforts to improve the economy by investing in jobs and creating a competitive and supportive business environment.”
Hepburn continued: “We are working hard to support job creation while our economic strategy outlines our priorities, which include investing in infrastructure, fostering innovation, promoting inclusive growth and promoting Scotland on the international stage to boost trade and investment.”
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