SCOTLAND’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE LOWER THAN UK AVERAGE

ONS CONFIRMS DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT IN SCOTLAND COMPARED TO LAST FINANCIAL QUARTER

SNP MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Karen Adam MSP has highlighted the recent figures published by the UK’s Office for National Statistics which show that Scotland’s unemployment rate is now lower than the UK average.

The figures show that the UK’s average unemployment rate between June and August 2024 was 4.0% – while it was 3.9% in Scotland. The sharp 0.9% drop in unemployment in Scotland compared to the previous quarterly figures highlights the strength and resilience of Scotland’s economy.

SNP MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Karen Adam MSP has drawn attention to these figures, which show the strength of Scotland’s economy, relative to the rest of the UK.

Commenting, MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Karen Adam MSP, said:

“These latest figures from the Office for National Statistics are further proof of the strength and resilience of Scotland’s economy – with unemployment in Scotland dropping, sitting below the UK average.

“This is welcome news for workers, families and business here in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, and it highlights the importance of continuing to build an economy that works for everyone in Scotland.

“With most powers still reserved to Westminster, the UK Government’s mismanagement of Scotland’s economy continues to present significant challenges to households and businesses – but these figures demonstrate Scotland’s potential to thrive with the right policies in place.

“That’s why the SNP’s Programme for Government prioritises doing what we can with the limited powers of devolution to create the conditions for economic prosperity – committing more than £5 billion this year to grow the economy, accelerating the expansion of the offshore wind sector and attracting investment through the Scottish National Investment Bank.”