UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) statistics for the July to September quarter show the unemployment rate in Scotland fell about 1.1% to around 3.3%, while the employment rate was 73.7%.

In the UK as a whole, the ONS said the rate of unemployment rose to 4.3% in the three months to September, up from 4% in the previous three months.

The latest Scottish Economic Bulletin said economic indicators “continue to show sustained improvements relative to 2023, although business and consumer survey evidence indicates that the pace of activity has eased slightly from earlier in the year.”

Scottish GDP grew by 0.1% in the three-months to August, its slowest rate since January, and was driven by positive growth in the Construction and Production sectors, which offset flat growth in the Services sector.

However, GDP grew by 0.7% when compared to the same period in 2023 and reflects the improvement in growth over the past year as a whole.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Despite low growth across the UK, Scotland’s economy is proving resilient with GDP per person rising over the last two quarters and payrolled employees at close to record levels.

“Growing the economy is centre stage for this Government as it enables us to deliver on our priorities of eradicating child poverty, tackling climate change and improving public services.

“Our Green Industrial Strategy and the Scottish National Investment Bank aims to leverage Scotland’s renewable potential to secure growth and investment as part of the transition to net zero.”