Overview of the labour market [May 2001]

The most recent labour market data show aggregate Scottish employment and number of economically active jumping in the summer and autumn of 2000. Since then, both of these numbers have fallen back although the unemployment rate continues to fall. A comparison of the unemployment rate and vacancies for mid 2000 indicates a continuing tightening of the labour market. As suggested in the last commentary, people might have been spurred into the labour market as a result of government policies and increased job opportunities. However, some of this gain appears to only have been temporary, although the fall in employment in the latest quarter has not yet been registered in any rise in unemployment