THE unemployment rate in Scotland has dropped by 1.1 percentage points across the past year, figures have shown. 

Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found the unemployment rate was at 3.2% in Scotland – the joint lowest figure on record – with almost 90,000 people seeking work between April and July. 

The rate has dropped this low on three occasions: between February and April and January and March this year, as well as between January and March 2019. 

This means that the unemployment rate in Scotland is lower than the rest of the United Kingdom, which sits at 3.8%. 

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The rate was unchanged from the previous quarter, increasing by just 2000, but had decreased by 1.1 percentage points when compared to the same quarter last year.

Similarly, employment increased by 1.2 percentage points during the same period, with 73,000 more people in work. 

Employment Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Scottish economy and labour market are continuing to show resilience, although the employment rate has decreased slightly over the quarter, the unemployment rate was a joint record low in the Scottish series. 

“Additionally, the employment rate for women in Scotland was the highest since the labour force survey estimates were first published in 1992.

“This is despite the serious challenges Scotland is facing as we recover from the pandemic, with the cost of living crisis, the continued impact of Brexit and the economic consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine all impacting on the economy.”

The ONS reported 75.4% employment between April and June, meaning around 7.7 million people were working, a drop of 0.1 percentage points, equivalent to 25,000 people. 

However, despite some positives, estimated wage growth has fallen behind that of the rest of the UK. 

Median monthly income for payrolled employees in July was £2118, an increase of 5.3% on the same period in the previous year, but behind the 6.6% rise seen in the UK. 

The ONS said estimated wages rose in Scotland by 12.8% between February 2020 – the last month before the start of the pandemic – and the most recent month, compared with 13.4% in the UK as a whole.

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Lochhead continued: “The Scottish Government has added its voice to the call from business for measures related to energy prices, VAT reduction, staff shortages and handling business loans, direct support which falls within the reserved responsibilities of the UK Government.

“We are also delivering the ambitious National Strategy for Economic Transformation which is helping build an economy of secure, sustainable and satisfying jobs with our current powers. 

“A key part of this strategy is providing 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.”