New labour market statistics published today show that unemployment in Scotland fell by 7,000 over the quarter to February - the fifth consecutive monthly fall. And employment rose by 7,000 - the ninth consecutive monthly rise. Scotland's employment rate increased by 0.2 per cent to 71.0 per cent over the quarter - a higher employment rate than the 70.7 per cent across the UK as a whole.
And economic inactivity fell by 0.1 per cent in Scotland to 22.6 per cent - lower than the 23.2 per cent across the UK as a whole.
The claimant count decreased in Scotland by 300 in March, in contrast to the 700 increase across the UK.
First Minister and Scottish National Party leader Mr Alex Salmond said:
"Today's figures present further signs that Scotland's economy is strengthening, and show the Scottish Government's robust actions to support jobs, skills and training are delivering real results.
"Employment has increased in Scotland for nine months in a row, and has now also increased compared to a year ago - by 25,000 - while unemployment has fallen for the fifth consecutive month: the only nation in the UK where this sustained progress has been achieved.
"Scotland has a higher employment rate and lower economic inactivity rate than the UK as a whole."
Mr Salmond went on to say, "With the powers Scotland currently has, the SNP Government are delivering an alternative economic strategy to the Con/Dem coalition's slash and burn approach, which is delivering results."
The First Minister also called for more competition in Scotland’s business banking sector and more support from banks for Scotland’s small businesses.
Opening the new offices of Attacat, a successful small business in Edinburgh that has used the money saved under the SNP Government's Small Business Bonus to expand the company to new premises on Edinburgh’s George St, Mr Salmond said the SNP would extend the Small Business Bonus for the next five years.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Scottish economy, and they have a huge role to play in our continued recovery," said the First Minister, "Over the last four years the SNP has slashed or totally scrapped business rates for around 80,000 small and medium sized companies right across the country and we will extend that help for a further five years.
“Banks are rebuilding their balance sheets off the back of small businesses. Scotland’s banking market is too concentrated with too little choice for small businesses. In Government we set up the Scottish Investment Bank with £250 million to invest in small businesses in growth industries and as a re-elected Scottish Government the SNP will continue to argue the case with the banks to win backing for small businesses."
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On the eve of the SNP's 2011 manifesto launch, the latest Weber Shandwick poll of polls which shows the SNP rapidly closing the gap with their closest rivals, Scottish Labour. Commenting on the figures the SNP campaign director Angus Robertson MP said: "This poll of polls confirms that the big momentum in this campaign is with the SNP. The most recent poll put the SNP ahead, totally wiping out the lead that Labour had going into the campaign. We will redouble our efforts between now and polling day to press home that advantage by working to maintain the trust the people of Scotland have placed in the SNP these last four years. "The SNP is the only party with the record, the team and the vision to take Scotland forward. And over the next three weeks we will take that message to the doorsteps of Scotland - with our strong message of vote Alex Salmond for First Minister in the list, and vote to re-elect the Scottish Government." Speaking ahead of the Manifesto launch, the Party's Deputy Leader and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a new £50 million Young Scots Fund to help talented young people make the most of their potential in sports, business and the arts. Speaking ahead of today's launch of the SNP's Manifesto for re-election, Ms Sturgeon said: "There are many thousands of youngsters across the country who have huge gifts but never get the chance to make the most of them. This fund will help change that by investing in the facilities we need to make the very most of our young talent."Related posts: