Scottish Unemployment Figures Make Dramatic Fall

Unemployment in Scotland has fallen, with 14,000 fewer unemployed citizens compared to the last quarter.

The Office for National Statistics, January to March 2017 The Labour Market Statistics report, shows Scotland's ever growing strengths in regards to female employment in the labour market, with the female unemployment rate falling by 0.7% over the year. However, the youth employment rate has risen, now 3.9 percentage points higher than the previous year, with the level rising by 15,000 citizens.

This shows a worrying trend for graduates who have been suffering under austerity with large debt and few job options.

MSP Keith Brown, the cabinet secretary for the economy, jobs and fair work, said: "Today's statistics show that Scotland's labour market continues to perform well in the face of significant economic challenges. Unemployment is down, employment is up and Scotland's youth unemployment rate is the 4th lowest in the EU. This is welcome news.

"We [The Scottish Government] will will work to support employment and our priority remains developing the correct conditions for economic growth, including through taking forward our multi-billion pound infrastructure plan, and the Scottish Growth Scheme."

The Scottish Growth Scheme is a Scottish parliament investment of £500m to support businesses in Scotland.

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