The unemployment rate in Scotland remains lower than the UK average for the 10th month in a row, according to the latest labour market statistics released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics for March to May 2019.

Unemployment has remained at 3.3% in Scotland compared to 3.8% in the UK.

Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Yet again we are seeing strong results for Scotland’s labour market.

“Scotland’s employment rate rose over the quarter and year to 75.8%, very close to the highest on record.

“The unemployment rate fell over the year to 3.3%, also very close to the record low and 0.5 percentage points lower than the UK’s (3.8%).

“Our unemployment rate has now been lower than the UK’s for 10 months in a row.  

“But it’s not just headline rates where we’re doing well.

“The employment rate for Scotland’s women rose over the quarter and year to 72.5% – continuing to outperform the UK where the employment rate is lower at 72.0%.

“We also outperform the UK on unemployment (2.9% vs 3.6%) and inactivity (25.2% vs 25.3%) rates for women.

“The latest stats show our labour market is also working for young people.

“The 16-24 year old employment rate in Scotland rose by 2.5 percentage points over the year and at 58.7% is higher than the UK’s (53.3%).  

“These latest results shows Scotland is seeing the benefits of our Labour Market Strategy – driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, rising to the challenges of our labour market and delivering fair and good quality work across society.

“While Scotland’s economy and job market continues to perform, the UK Government’s EU exit plans, in whatever form, will cost jobs, make people poorer and damage our society.

“The Scottish Government has consistently been clear that the best option for the future wellbeing and prosperity of Scotland, and the UK as a whole, is to stay in the European Union.”