Unemployment and employment figures both rise in Scotland

Jobcentre - PA

The number of people out of work in Scotland rose by 9,000 to 113,000 in the three months to August, while the same figures also showed a rise in the employment rate.

The Scottish unemployment rate was 0.3 per cent higher than the previous quarter and now stands at 4.1 per cent, while the employment rate rose to 75.3 per cent.

Across the UK the number of jobless fell but the rate remains higher than in Scotland at 4.3 per cent.

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The ONS figures also showed the real value of earnings is down 0.3 per cent over the past year.

The Fraser of Allander Institute described the figures as "robust".

Dr Stuart McIntyre said: “These data represent some good news for the Scottish economy with continued growth in the employment rate. Nevertheless, the relatively fragile economic growth experienced over the past two years in Scotland remains a concern, as do wider indicators of the health of the economy.

Scotland's Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn said Scotland "continued to outperform" the UK.

“Today’s figures show the Scottish economy continues to perform well against a difficult backdrop with the lack of clarity from the UK Government on Brexit and proposals to leave the world’s biggest single market posing the single biggest threat to our economy,” he said.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland said uncertainty meant UK Chancellor Philip Hammond' budget needed to include measures to boost business confidence.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron also urged the Bank of England to "hold their nerve" amid speculation rising inflation may lead to a rise in interest rates.