Scotland’s unemployment rate fell to a record low of 3.3% in the three months to February — well below the UK figure of 3.9% — according to figures from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Scotland’s jobless total fell by 8,000 to 93,000.

The ONS said 2,688,000 people are now in work in Scotland.

That means Scotland’s employment rate rose by 0.3 percentage points over the quarter to 75.6% — almost touching the record of 75.8% set in 2017.

Scottish Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “While Scotland’s economy and job market continues to grow, the UK government’s Brexit plans, in whatever form, will cost jobs, make people poorer and damage our society.

“It is essential the extension granted by the EU is used constructively and not wasted. 

“The ongoing talks over EU exit must include the devolved administrations, and for any deal agreed by the UK Parliament to be put to a second referendum.”