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Scotland's Unemployment Rises, Yet Employment Services Expand

2/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scotland's unemployment rate increased to 3.8%, still lower than the UK's 4.4%.
Employment for ages 16-64 rose to 74.2%, trailing the UK average of 74.9%.
Economic inactivity fell to 22.8%, with 2.46 million payrolled employees reported in January 2025.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes allocated an extra £11 million for employability services to aid job seekers.

History

Historical Context

Scotland's current unemployment rate of 3.8% reflects a historical trend of fluctuating job markets. Since the 1980s, economic policies have aimed to stabilize employment, especially after the 11.9% peak in 1984. Recent investments in employability services echo past efforts to combat rising unemployment.

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Story summary

Scotland's unemployment rate increased to 3.8%, still lower than the UK's 4.4%.
Employment for ages 16-64 rose to 74.2%, trailing the UK average of 74.9%.
Economic inactivity fell to 22.8%, with 2.46 million payrolled employees reported in January 2025.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes allocated an extra £11 million for employability services to aid job seekers.

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