According to the latest figures on employment, Scotland is the only nation bucking the unemployment figures seen across the rest of the UK.

The official figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that the Scottish employment rate rose to a level higher than the rest of the UK. Unemployment in Scotland fell by 13,000 in the last four months, a faster rate than the rest of the UK.

There were also positives to take in regards to youth unemployment with said figure falling by 7,000. Youth employment in Scotland now stands at over 360,000, the highest figure seen in the last decade. In total the employment rate in the UK was slightly lower than the 71.4% rate seen in Scotland.

Welcomed Rise in Employment

The figures also showed a rise in the UK and Scottish economy. Fair Work, Skills and Training Secretary Roseanna Cunningham welcomed the figures, which she said were "encouraging signs of an improving economic landscape in Scotland".

She added: "Our priority is to maintain that progress and tackle those areas where we need to see further improvement."For example, there was a slight fall in all-age employment and a small rise in economic inactivity - although we continue to outperform the rest of the UK in these measures."

Scotland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop said: "We will continue to help businesses create jobs and support those who want to work hard and get on. The introduction of our National Living Wage will ensure work pays for everyone across the country."

Colin Borland, of the Federation of Small Businesses, added: "Falling joblessness is good news, but we need to get behind small business if we're going to create jobs for the 155,000 Scots still out of work."

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