The SNP has welcomed the latest labour market figures, which confirm that Scotland has enjoyed the largest annual increase in employment in nearly seven years – with 92,000 more jobs being created over the year to October-December 2013.
The new figures show that Scotland’s employment rate continues to be ahead of the UK rate, while the unemployment rate has continued to fall and remains below the rate for the UK as a whole.
The 72,000 increase in female employment also represents the largest annual increase since 1992, and means that female employment stands at a record level of 1,243,000.
Commenting, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt said:
“That we have seen the largest annual increase in employment in almost seven years – and the biggest increase in female employment since 1992 - is a demonstration of the excellent progress being made by the Scottish Government, but we know that more can be done.
“With the full powers of independence we can take further action to invest in our infrastructure, grow our economy and create more and better jobs for people across Scotland."
