UNEMPLOYMENT FALLING UNDER SNP GOVERNMENT

The SNP has welcomed new figures from the ONS which show that Scotland's unemployment rate fell by 0.2% to a total of 3.8% between September and November 2024 – while the UK’s overall unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in the same period.

Scotland’s growth in employment drastically outpaced the UK's in the same period - with the number of people employed in Scotland growing by 1%, while the UK shrank by -0.1%.

The SNP Government has prioritised building Scottish enterprise through initiatives like the Small Business Bonus Scheme, which enables small and medium-sized businesses to provide employment opportunities across Scotland.
Combined with a faster GDP growth rate and productivity increasing at twice the UK rate, Scotland’s economy is outperforming the UK.

Natalie Don-Innes, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, commented:

“The latest ONS figures highlight the positive impact of measures introduced by the SNP Government, such as the Small Business Bonus Scheme, in creating well-paid jobs in Renfrewshire and across Scotland. These actions are driving down unemployment and boosting local economies.

“In stark contrast, the UK Labour Government's recent decisions, like the increase in National Insurance Contributions, are projected to harm employment rates and suppress wage growth. For example, Sainsbury's, the UK's second-largest supermarket, announced today that it will cut 3,000 jobs due to rising costs linked to the Labour government’s tax hikes on employers in the October Budget.

“Scotland has all the strengths required to drive prosperity, including abundant natural resources, a highly skilled workforce, innovative businesses, and world-renowned universities. With faster GDP growth and productivity increasing at twice the UK rate, Scotland’s economy is outperforming the UK.

“However, the SNP’s vision for Scotland goes beyond these successes. Achieving independence is the most effective way to grow the economy, improve lives, and strengthen public services.”