Latest unemployment figures published

The latest unemployment figures show a fall in JSA unemployment across all local areas in Scotland. This is a not unexpected seasonal change as employers in retail and other sectors recruit at this time of year. However, rate of decrease in Scotland over the last month is much higher than other parts of the UK.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for September is 4,409. This is a decrease of 432 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 3.9% is higher than both the Scottish (3.8%) and Great Britain (3.5%) rates.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 13th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas - down from 10th in August.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for September is 1,390 - a reduction of 190 on the August figure.
• Jobcentre vacancy figures have not been released yet for September due to technical issues at ONS.