Commenting on the latest publication of labour market statistics,
a Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“The record high number of payrolled employees in
Scotland is welcome. However, the wider data reflects the
ongoing challenges facing the UK economy, including inflationary
pressures and the continuing impacts of Brexit. The Scottish
Government remains committed to doing everything within currently
devolved powers to support more people into work.
“This includes expanding Scotland’s provision of high quality
funded childcare to support more parents, and those with caring
responsibilities, into work. The Scottish Government’s
employability services are working to tackle inequalities in
Scotland’s labour market by helping people progress towards and
into sustainable employment. The Scottish Government also
continues to support and promote flexible working from day one of
employment.
“The forthcoming Green Industrial Strategy will help businesses
and investors realise the enormous economic opportunities of the
global transition to net zero and create well-paid green jobs
across Scotland.
“But with sectors such as hospitality and agriculture still
facing enormous recruitment challenges, the UK Government’s
proposed changes to immigration policy will further prevent
access to the international labour market that Scotland needs for
the economy to prosper. With full powers over migration, Scotland
could boost its workforce and tackle recruitment challenges.”
Background
HMRC early estimates show 2.46 million payrolled employees in
Scotland, the highest since the series began in July 2014, and
27,000 more than the previous year.
ONS have reintroduced the Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates
which will replace the experimental estimates that have been
published since October 2023 for the UK and November 2023 for
Scotland. The LFS estimates will be badged as Official Statistics
in Development.
The reweighting of the LFS estimates does not address the
volatility seen in the recent estimates (since May-July 2023),
therefore ONS have advised that users should be cautious when
interpreting short-term changes in the LFS estimates and that
these should be viewed alongside the wider suite of labour market
indicators including the Claimant Count data and HMRC Pay As You
Earn Real Time Information (PAYE RTI) estimates. For further
details, please read ONS blog and article.
In October to December 2023, Scotland’s unemployment rate
estimate (16+ years) was 4.5%.
The employment rate estimate (16-64 years) was 74.4% and the
inactivity rate estimate (16-64 years) was 22.0% in the same
period.
Labour Market Trends: February
2024 - gov.scot
Labour market overview, UK -
Office for National Statistics
