Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, has today said that the publication of the 2010 Local Area Labour Statistics shows there was wide variation in employment and unemployment rates across Scotland since the recession but Aberdeen continued to perform above the national average.
From the recession in 2008, to 2010 the employment rate reduced by 0.3% (plus 4,000) in Aberdeen compared to a -2.5% rate across Scotland.
The 2010 figures show that the unemployment rate over the last three years (2007-2010) has gone up 1.4% (2,000) in Aberdeen compared to a Scotland wide increase of 3.0%.
However more recent ONS figures shows that Scotland has had eight consecutive months of reported falls in unemployment, and we have lower unemployment, higher employment, and a lower rate of economic inactivity in Scotland than the UK as a whole.
Mr Adam said:
“These statistics from 2010 shows that Aberdeen continued to perform above the Scottish average with a higher employment rate and lower unemployment rate than elsewhere but we must work now to maintain this.
“In the North East the SNP will continue to argue that to drive forward further economic development and improve these figures the UK Government need to reverse their decision to increase tax on the oil and gas industry.
“Of course what Scotland really needs to promote more employment is the responsibility for key economic levers such as borrowing powers and corporation tax, to enhance investment and create more jobs across the Scottish economy."
Mr Adam continued:
“The Scottish Government will continues its’ work to stimulate employment, we are already supporting 25,000 modern apprenticeships a year, the highest ever number in Scotland and once the court case is over I look forward to work starting on the AWPR which will create the opportunity for more growth and job creation in the short, medium and long term.”
Local Area Labour Markets in Scotland Statistics from the Annual Population Survey 2010 can be found here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/09172458/0
The 8 months consecutive fall in unemployment is reported here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/07/13103300
