Commenting on the latest publication of ONS labour market
statistics, which show Scotland’s unemployment rate from April to
June 2023 was relatively low at 4.0 per cent, Wellbeing
Economy Secretary said:
“The increase in the unemployment rate for those aged 16 and over
across Scotland reflects the challenges facing the economy amid
the ongoing cost of living crisis, compounded by still high
inflation and interest rates. The Scottish Government is
committed to supporting more people into work – including those
with a disability, health conditions and caring responsibilities
– through employability and skills support as well as improved
access to flexible working.
“This commitment can be seen through the progression of
recommendations from the New Deal for Business Group on labour
market participation, with a focus on supporting people facing
barriers to employment. We have also set up the Fair Work
Oversight Group – made up of leading figures from business, trade
unions, equality groups and academia – to advise and support
delivery of the Fair Work Action Plan, which focuses on driving
forward fair work including supporting more diverse and inclusive
workplaces
“We are 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 April to June 2023, Scotland’s estimated unemployment rate
(16+ years) was 4.0 per cent, an increase of 0.9 percentage
points over the quarter.
The estimated employment rate (16-64 years) fell over the quarter
to 74.2 per cent and the estimated inactivity rate (16-64
years) rose to 22.6 per cent over the same period.
Separate HMRC early estimates show 2.46 million payrolled
employees in Scotland in July 2023, 35,000 more than a year ago
(July 2022).
Labour Market trends - August
2023
Labour market in the regions of
the UK - Office for National Statistics
A different way of working with
business - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Promoting fair work - gov.scot
(www.gov.scot)
