The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) in Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk has fallen again to 1,010, new official figures published today reveal.
This represents a drop of 9% since February this year and is around half the rate it used to be at its peak in February 2013.
Across Scotland, unemployment fell by 12,000 in the three months to June to stand at 107,000. The jobless rate fell by 0.5% to 3.9% and now stands below the UK figure of 4.4%.
Commenting, John Lamont MP said: “These figures are certainly encouraging across the Borders and across Scotland.
“In my constituency, the number of job seekers continues to fall and a 9% drop since February is very positive. More people with the security of a pay packet and the fulfilment of a job is something to welcome. We are seeing encouraging signs like new distilleries and the expansion of existing employers. However, the Borders remains around the UK average in terms of employment and I think we should be doing better.
“Both the UK and Scottish Governments need to do more to bring high quality jobs to the Borders. This must start with a new Borderlands Growth Deal and discussions about how this is to be delivered have begun. Governments must focus on policies designed to attract investment and local businesses.”