Commenting on the latest publication of ONS labour market
statistics which show Scotland’s unemployment rate for March to
May 2023 remained low at 3.2 per cent, Wellbeing Economy
Secretary said:
“The continued near-record low unemployment rates for those aged
16 and over across Scotland are welcome and reflects the
resilience of the labour market amid the challenging economic
outlook and ongoing cost of living crisis. This is compounded by
continuing high inflation and rising interest rates. However, the
Scottish Government is committed to supporting more people into
work – including the disabled and those with health conditions
and caring responsibilities – through employability and skills
support as well as improved access to flexible working.
“We are progressing recommendations from the New Deal for
Business Group on labour market participation, with a focus on
supporting parents into employment through school age childcare
and nurturing the skills which businesses need for a transition
to net zero. We want to deliver a wellbeing economy with
sustainability and fairness at its heart which allows businesses
and their employees to thrive.
“We are rapidly fulfilling commitments made in the National
Strategy for Economic Transformation, including developing a
lifetime skills offer for adults, which will ensure future
support is targeted at those who need it most. Our apprenticeship
programme is enabling employers to invest in their work force and
provide greater opportunities to those at the start of their
careers.
“With industries such as hospitality and agriculture still facing
recruitment challenges, however, an urgent reassessment of UK
Government immigration policy is necessary to increase access to
the international labour and skills that Scotland needs for our
economy and communities to prosper. With full powers over
migration, Scotland could boost its workforce and tackle
recruitment challenges, many of which have been caused by the end
of free movement and the Brexit imposed on Scotland by the UK
Government.”
Background
For March to May 2023, Scotland’s estimated unemployment rate
(16+ years) rose slightly over the quarter to 3.2 per cent.
The estimated employment rate (16-64 years) fell over the quarter
to 75.1 per cent and the estimated inactivity rate (16-64 years)
rose to 22.3 per cent over the same period.
Separate seasonally adjusted HMRC early estimates show 2.44
million payrolled employees in Scotland in June 2023, 24,000 more
than a year ago (June 2022).
Labour Market Trends: July 2023
- gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
A different way of working with
business - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
