STUC on new labour market statistics

June 15th 2016

STUC on new labour market statistics

June 15th 2016

Commenting following publication of the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

“It can no longer be denied that 2016 is turning into a wretched year for the Scottish labour market. The small fall in unemployment must not be used to disguise the very significant fall in employment and concomitant rise in economic inactivity. Only Scotland among the nations and regions of the UK has seen its employment rate fall over the past year and its unemployment rate flat-line.

“The proximate cause of Scotland’s relatively poor performance appears to be the severe downturn in the oil and gas industry. However, this is in danger of being seriously compounded by the uncertainty caused by the European referendum. In these circumstances it is essential that Government at all levels redoubles efforts to boost employment growth.

ENDS

Contact

Stephen Boyd 0141 337 8100