Scotland’s estimated employment rate — the proportion of people aged 16-64 in work — was at a record high of 76.1% in the September to November 2022 quarter, according to data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Scotland’s employment rate was above the UK rate of 75.6%.
The estimated economic inactivity rate in Scotland — the proportion of people aged 16 to 64 years who were not working and not seeking or available to work — was 21.3%, down 0.3 percentage points since December 2019-February 2020 (pre-pandemic) and down 0.3 percentage points over the quarter.
Scotland’s economic inactivity rate was below the UK rate of 21.5%.
The estimated unemployment rate (16+) in Scotland was 3.3%, down 0.5 percentage points since December 2019-February 2020 (pre-pandemic) but stayed the same over the quarter.
Scotland’s unemployment rate was below the UK unemployment rate of 3.7%.
The Scottish Government’s Employment Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The employment rate in Scotland remains high despite the turbulent economic circumstances, including the continued impact of Brexit, high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.
“The record high employment rate for all 16 to 64 year olds and the continued high employment rates for women are particularly welcome.
“The Scottish Government’s ambitious plans for Scotland’s economy set out in our National Strategy for Economic Transformation are built on ensuring everyone can thrive in a diverse and inclusive workforce.”