Scottish unemployment at new low

Unemployment fell in Scotland over the three-month period

Unemployment in Scotland has reached a record low, according to official figures.

The International Labour Organisation measure showed a drop of 25,000 over the last quarter to 105,000.

Across the UK as a whole, the number of people out of work continued to rise to a total of 1.62 million.

The number of people in Scotland claiming job seekers' allowance went up by 1,800 over the same period but was still down over the year.

A spokesman for the Scotland Office said the figure showed a "strong set of results" for the labour market.

He added: "With an equal record high level of unemployment and a record low level of unemployment, the Scottish economy will be strongly supported over the coming months."

'Underlying strengths'

Total employment has equalled the previous high point of 2,554,000 - a 16,000 increase in the past three months.

The number of "economically active" people in the country for the quarter between March and May was 2,659,000.

The Office for National Statistics said this was 9,000 lower than the previous quarter and 17,000 lower than at the same time one year ago.

Economic activity is a measure of those people who are available for work but are not classified as unemployed. These can be students, retired people, family carers or those who are long-term sick.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The figures indicate underlying strengths of Scotland's economy, although no open economy is immune to global developments and we cannot afford to be complacent.

"In growth terms, the Scottish economy has lagged that of the UK for too long, which is why this government is totally committed to increasing sustainable economic growth in Scotland."