Unemployment in Scotland fell to a record low in the last quarter, according to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.
The unemployment rate for those aged 16 and over between January and March this year was 3.2% - 0.9% down on the previous quarter.
Across the UK, the unemployment rate for that age group was 3.7%.
The employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 years rose to 75.6% north of the border - 1.4% up on the previous quarter.
In Scotland, there were 2.682 million people aged 16 and over in employment between January and March this year, with 88,000 in that age group unemployed.
Employment minister Richard Lochhead pointed out that separate HM Revenue & Customs early estimates show 2.42 million payrolled employees in Scotland in April, 29,000 more than in February 2020, prior to the pandemic.
“While we continue to face economic challenges, with the rising cost of living, the negative effects of Brexit and the economic impacts of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Scottish Government remains committed to doing all we can to help our economy recover.
“In 2022/23 up to £113m has been allocated to employability services, including £60m for No One Left Behind and additional investment in the parental employability support fund and Tackling Child Poverty.”
He said the Scottish Government is also continuing to invest in employability and training to support young people through the Young Person’s Guarantee and those who face barriers to employment through its national employability service Fair Start Scotland.
Ann Frances Cooney, employment partner at law firm DWF, commented: “Although the figures reported represent a period when we were still subject to a number of restrictions, the Scottish labour market has yet again demonstrated its resilience during a challenging quarter.
“Undoubtedly, the cost of living crisis and soaring inflation will have a knock on effect on the labour market - ONS figures have previously shown that although wages have risen, once you consider inflation, pay is actually falling.
“Employers grappling with the so-called great resignation are already facing challenges to recruit and retain talent and employees will be seeking out the most attractive rewards packages in order to combat the financial repercussions of the turbulent economy.”
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