What is the SNP doing to tackle unemployment?

The SNP has made strong progress with the powers we have to create jobs and grow our economy. Employment levels in Scotland are amongst the highest on record, and unemployment in Scotland is lower than the rate across the UK nation. Scotland’s youth unemployment is among the lowest in the EU and female unemployment is below the UK rate.

We have published a new Labour Market Strategy, informed by the work of the independent Fair Work Convention, setting out how we will boost competitiveness and tackle inequality.

To support businesses to expand and create jobs, the SNP Scottish Government has slashed or abolished business rates for 100,000 premises – saving small businesses £1.2 billion so far. We have also created a £500 million Scottish Growth Scheme to support businesses with the potential to grow and export more. At Westminster, we will propose a doubling of the Employment Allowance – the National Insurance discount that businesses receive when they increase employment.