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Scottish unemployment falls by 13,000 Scottish unemployment falls by 13,000
(35 minutes later)
Scotland's jobless total fell by 13,000 to 206,000 between October and December, according to official figures.Scotland's jobless total fell by 13,000 to 206,000 between October and December, according to official figures.
The number of people in jobs also fell by 11,000 over the same period.The number of people in jobs also fell by 11,000 over the same period.
The total number of employed in Scotland now stands at 2,461,000.The total number of employed in Scotland now stands at 2,461,000.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showed that the Scottish unemployment rate was 7.7%, slightly below the average of 7.8% for the whole of the UK.Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showed that the Scottish unemployment rate was 7.7%, slightly below the average of 7.8% for the whole of the UK.
UK unemployment fell by a total of 14,000 to 2.5 million.UK unemployment fell by a total of 14,000 to 2.5 million.
The number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance in Scotland fell by 600 from December to 137,000 in January.The number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance in Scotland fell by 600 from December to 137,000 in January.
The level is down by 5,200 on January 2012.The level is down by 5,200 on January 2012.
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: "The government continues to work hard to reduce unemployment by laying the foundations for a stronger, more balanced economy."Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: "The government continues to work hard to reduce unemployment by laying the foundations for a stronger, more balanced economy."
Finance Secretary John Swinney said it was the third set of monthly unemployment figures in a row that had shown a fall.
He added: "But we must not be complacent - too many people are still looking for work, and the Scottish government is taking action to address this by maintaining the most competitive business environment anywhere in the UK and investing in our infrastructure."
Jobs website totaljobs.com said the latest figures were a reflection of a healthy labour market in Scotland, with recent investment from the IT, engineering and oil and gas industries.
Regional manager Steve Clark added: "However, this is balanced with bad news on the high-street as retail giants HMV, Jessops, Blockbuster and Republic fall into administration.
"The shop closures have left city centres looking sparse and unwelcoming which will have a detrimental impact on traditional retail, as more shoppers will choose to buy online."