SCOTTISH EMPLOYMENT HIGHEST EVER

Record numbers of people in Scotland are employed, the gender gap has narrowed and more young people have jobs.

In 2017, 2,618,100 people were in employment and the employment rate was 74.3%, with both the number and rate being the highest on record.

The Regional Employment Patterns publication, based on the Annual Population Survey 2017 (January to December) revealed that Scotland has also narrowed the gender employment gap and increased youth employment.

The publication says:

The gender employment gap – the difference in male and female employment rates - decreased from 10.6% in 2007 to 6.9% in 2017

The employment rate for people aged 16 to 24 increased to 59.4% over the past year.

The disability employment gap - the difference between able bodied and disabled people - has fallen from 37.4% to 35.8%

Patricia Gibson MP said:

“These record employment levels in Scotland, demonstrate both the strength of our economy and labour market and that actions the SNP Government is taking to grow Scotland’s economy are delivering results.

Closing the gender gap is a priority for the SNP Government and key to achieving inclusive economic growth. This is being addressed by expanding childcare provision, promoting flexible working and a Scottish living wage, addressing pregnancy and maternity discrimination and improving women’s representation in senior management and boards.

“The SNP is committed to helping disabled people reach their full potential, including having fair and sustainable jobs. Our aim is to reduce the disability employment gap by more than half. The latest figures are encouraging. Although there is clearly much more to be done, we are heading in the right direction.“

ENDS