Unemployment Scotland 2026-03-09
2026-03-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted rising unemployment concerns in Scotland. She mentioned the Scottish unemployment rate of 3.8% and that Scotland's economic inactivity rate is higher than the UK average.
I am concerned about recent trends in levels of unemployment in Scotland, where the unemployment rate is 3.8% and overall economic inactivity is higher than the UK average. Can you provide an assessment of these trends?
The Scottish unemployment rate is 3.8%, and overall economic inactivity in Scotland is higher than in the UK as a whole. Scotland has had the biggest increase in funding since devolution began, including major defence contracts and trade deals benefiting Scotland's whisky and food industries.
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Assessment & feedback
The assessment of unemployment trends in Scotland was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the impact of the oil and gas industry on her constituency, noting that one in three people are employed directly or indirectly in the sector. She questioned the accuracy of job loss measures.
One in three people in my constituency are employed directly or indirectly in the oil and gas industry. Given the reduction in investment due to the tax system, is the Secretary of State confident that the Government's measure of the number of jobs lost, particularly in the oil and gas industry, is truly accurate, given that people are generally not signing on for universal credit but rather moving to places like Dubai and Doha?
That is of course a hugely important industry for the UK. A transition is taking place, but oil and gas will be part of the mix for a long time to come. The Chancellor met those in the industry last week, and the industry's importance is recognised and hugely valued by the Government.
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Assessment & feedback
The accuracy of job loss measures was not confirmed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discussed the SNP Government's reduction in funded apprenticeships and rising youth unemployment in Scotland. She suggested that electing a new Government in Holyrood could be a solution.
Last year, the SNP Government in Holyrood funded nearly 9,000 fewer apprenticeships than colleges and industry asked for. Youth unemployment in Scotland is rising; more than one in eight young people are unemployed. Does my right hon. Friend agree that one of the solutions to this problem is electing a new Government in Holyrood under Anas Sarwar of the Labour party?
I very much agree with my hon. Friend's final point. I think Anas Sarwar would make an excellent First Minister, and I look forward to supporting him in the campaign to come. We want young people in Scotland to have as many opportunities and as good opportunities as young people anywhere else in the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The issue of youth unemployment and apprenticeships was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy