Scotland’s jobless total has fallen below 200,000 for the first time since 2009, new figures have revealed.
The number of Scots who are unemployed fell by 11,000 over the period December 2012 to February 2013 – the fifth month in a row there has been a decrease.
Official figures showed there were 197,000 people out of work, including those who are unemployed and not eligible for benefits – 21,000 less than the total 12 months ago.
At the same time unemployment across the UK increased by 70,000 to 2.56 million. The Scottish jobless rate is now 7.3%, compared to 7.9% for the UK as a whole.
As well as the fall in unemployment north of the border, the number of people in employment increased by 39,000 over the period December to February to a new total of 2,507,000.
There was also a drop in the number of people out of work and claiming jobseeker’s allowance. This fell by 600 from February to March to stand at 136,600.
The Scottish Government said it is the first time unemployment had been below200,000 since the period August to October 2009.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said it is “very welcome to see these positive trends in employment”.
He said: “Today’s figures show the highest increase in employment in a single quarter for 12 years with an increase of 39,000 jobs and unemployment is now below the 200,000 mark for the first time in over three years.
“Scotland now has a higher employment rate and lower unemployment rate than the UK, stronger economic growth and youth unemployment figures that continue to improve and outperform the UK.”
While Mr Swinney pledged that the Scottish Government would “build on these figures for the future”, he argued: “We can’t allow the UK Government’s economic policies to derail the positive developments we are seeing in Scotland.”
He called on Westminster to provide further capital investment to help the economy – it is “imperative that the Scottish economic recovery is not blown off course by the misguided policies of the UK Government”.
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: “Today’s figures show further signs of a positive outlook for employment opportunities in Scotland and they are important news for each and every person who has moved into a job.
“There is more to be done but we should be encouraged by the increase in those moving into employment, and the Government will continue to work hard to balance the economy and get more people back into work.
“Our focus remains on supporting individuals to do so. We know that every person taking up a job helps move the economy into a stronger position for the future.”