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Scottish unemployment hits lowest rate since recession Scottish unemployment hits lowest rate since recession
(35 minutes later)
Scotland's unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest rate since the recession, according to official figures.Scotland's unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest rate since the recession, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the jobless total fell by 17,000, or 0.6%, over the three months to April to stand at 109,000.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the jobless total fell by 17,000, or 0.6%, over the three months to April to stand at 109,000.
The Scottish unemployment rate now stands at 4%, which equals the figure recorded between March and May in 2008.The Scottish unemployment rate now stands at 4%, which equals the figure recorded between March and May in 2008.
The UK rate is 4.6%, with a total of 1.53 million unemployed people recorded in the latest quarter.The UK rate is 4.6%, with a total of 1.53 million unemployed people recorded in the latest quarter.
Meanwhile, employment in Scotland rose by 14,000 over the same period to stand at 74.1%.Meanwhile, employment in Scotland rose by 14,000 over the same period to stand at 74.1%.
But the ONS also reported a fall in average earnings, which grew by 2.1% in the year to April, down by 0.2% on the previous month.But the ONS also reported a fall in average earnings, which grew by 2.1% in the year to April, down by 0.2% on the previous month.
The fall was greater when measured over a three-month period, confirming that wages are falling behind the 2.9% inflation rate.The fall was greater when measured over a three-month period, confirming that wages are falling behind the 2.9% inflation rate.
Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn said: "Scotland's unemployment rate is at its lowest rate since the recession and matches the lowest on record for Scotland since the series began.Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn said: "Scotland's unemployment rate is at its lowest rate since the recession and matches the lowest on record for Scotland since the series began.
"With the employment rate rising, it's clear this is hugely positive news for our economy and the jobs market.""With the employment rate rising, it's clear this is hugely positive news for our economy and the jobs market."
'Areas of concern'
Scottish Chambers of Commerce welcomed the figures but said there were still "some areas of concern", with average earnings continuing to lag behind inflation.
Chief executive Liz Cameron said: "Low productivity rates dictate that earnings growth may be unlikely to improve significantly over the short term and, with inflation having risen by more than expectations, the pressures on consumer demand, business margins and future business investment continue."
She added: "Scotland has also experienced a significant rise in the number of people dropping out of the labour market altogether over the past year.
"Coupled with continued reports of hard to fill vacancies amongst Scottish businesses, this underlines the need for government to increase investment in training opportunities, not only for young people but also for older workers, to enable people to upskill and reskill and get back into the workforce."