Scottish unemployment rate fell slightly in last quarter

Unemployment in Scotland fell slightly in the last quarter, according to the latest figures.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the unemployment rate for people aged 16 and over was 3.7% between March and May this year.

This was 0.5% down on the previous quarter and below the UK-wide rate of 4.7%.

There were 102,000 people aged 16 and over out of work in Scotland in the latest quarter, according to the figures.

The employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 was 74.9%, which was 0.6% up on the previous quarter.

The figures show there were 2,674,000 people aged 16 and over in employment between March and May this year.

Scottish Government analysis found HMRC early estimates for June 2025 indicate there were 2.45 million payrolled employees in Scotland.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “These figures show that the number of payrolled employees in Scotland remains high and median monthly pay is greater than the UK as a whole.

“The Scottish Government is focused on driving the economic growth, conditions and investment that is crucial to supporting jobs and prosperity.

“However, we need decisive action from the UK Government to boost growth. That’s why we are calling for a complete reversal of the damaging decision to raise employers’ national insurance contributions, which is hampering business confidence, investment and jobs.

“We are also investing £90 million in our employability services in 2025-26 to help more people into employment.”

The UK Government has been asked for comment.