Jobless figures lowest since 1974

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The number of people in Scotland who are out of work and receiving benefit is at its lowest level in 34 years, monthly figures have revealed.

New figures show the number of people claiming the Jobseeker's Allowance fell by 600 last month to 68,700.

The figure for February was down 13,200 on the same time last year. It is at its lowest level since May 1974.

The alternative International Labour Organisation figures put unemployment at 133,000, unchanged over the year.

Scotland Office Minister David Cairns said the figures showed the economy was continuing to do well.

"There are now more than 250,000 more people in work than in 1997, and the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance hasn't been lower since 1974," said the minister.

Labour market

"We can't be complacent, and the chancellor has reacted to uncertain global economic conditions by delivering a Budget designed to maintain stability.

"But the fact that the Scottish labour market continues to demonstrate its resilience is a good advert for the macroeconomic policies pursued by the UK Government," he added.

Total employment in Scotland stood at 2,535,000, a fall of 14,000 over the quarter but an increase of 16,000 over the year.

Scottish Government Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "The number of people in work in Scotland continues to rise and the employment rate exceeds the UK average.

"Today's statistics show that 16,000 more people are in work than the same period last year. That is good news."

But he said the Scottish economy as a whole had underperformed for decades.

"That's why the government economic strategy commits the whole of the public sector to focus on creating a competitive business environment that will deliver increased sustainable economic growth, benefiting the whole of Scotland."