This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-28770707

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Scottish employment reaches new record high Scottish employment reaches new record high
(35 minutes later)
Employment in Scotland has reached a new record high, according to official figures.Employment in Scotland has reached a new record high, according to official figures.
The number of people in work increased by 9,000 between April and June, to stand at 2,594,000.The number of people in work increased by 9,000 between April and June, to stand at 2,594,000.
Data from the Office for National Statistics showed unemployment in Scotland fell by 2,000, to 176,000, over the same period. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed unemployment in Scotland fell by 2,000, to 176,000, over the same period. The UK total fell by 132,000 to 2.08 million.
The Scottish jobless rate is now 6.4%, which is the same rate as the whole of the UK. The Scottish jobless rate now matches the overall UK figure of 6.4%.
The employment rate north of the border is 73.5%, which is higher than the UK rate of 73%.
The number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA), fell by 3,100 between June and July to 92,900. The figure is 35,500 lower than a year ago.The number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA), fell by 3,100 between June and July to 92,900. The figure is 35,500 lower than a year ago.
In the UK as a whole unemployment fell by 132,000 to 2.08 million. Female employment
Female employment in Scotland is also at its highest level on record, at 1.25 million - an increase of 36,000 over the year.
Scotland's Youth and Women's Employment Secretary, Angela Constance, said: "We know that Scotland's economy has returned to pre-recession levels and these figures show that our recovery is continuing to gain momentum, with unemployment down and employment at its highest level ever.
"I am pleased to see that youth employment has increased and that fewer young people are now unemployed in Scotland compared to a year ago.
"It is so important that our young people have the chance to get a foothold in the labour market and we want to see this figure continue to decrease."
She added: "Female employment continues to increase and now sits at the highest level since records began and the female unemployment rate is at its lowest since May-July 2009.
"These figures show that Scotland has the economic potential to be an independent country."
'Better opportunities'
The UK government's Scottish Secretary, Alistair Carmichael, also welcomed the latest data.
He said: "Today's figures show we have a new record high in overall employment.
"Over the last 12 Scottish employment has increased by 63,000 and unemployment has fallen by 21,000.
"This shows that working together as part of the UK with its larger market, stronger and growing economy and stable currency is creating more jobs and better opportunities for Scotland.
"It is also good to see the number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance continues to fall. It is now at its lowest level since October 2008 and is 35,500 lower than one year ago."