Unemployment in Scotland has fallen to 3.7%, the lowest rate on record and lower than the current UK rate of 4.1%, according to new figures from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Scotland’s business minister, Jamie Hepburn, said: “Scotland’s unemployment rate fell again, down to 3.7%, which is lower than the UK rate of 4.1% – where unemployment has remained unchanged over the quarter.

“This is our lowest unemployment rate on record.

“Although overall employment fell very slightly over the quarter, on employment for women and young people, we continue to outperform the UK with a rate of 71.3% for women, higher than the UK rate of 71.2%, and 58.8% for young people, higher than the UK rate of 55.9%.

“Compared to the UK we also have lower rates of unemployment for both women and young people.

“We remain committed to creating the right economic environment for jobs growth – and our record on unemployment shows this is working.

“However, Brexit remains the biggest threat to Scotland’s prosperity and these statistics reinforce the urgent need to ensure the positive work we are doing to strengthen our economy is not undone.”