BUCKIE’S YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT figures have shown a significant fall according to the latest statistics released by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Unemployment amongst the young has reduced by 6% over the last year – while new business start-ups in the town are above the national average and the general unemployment rate is down by 8%.
Welcoming the figures Buckie’s MSP Stewart Stevenson said it was an encouraging sign – and highlighted action being taken by the Scottish Government to protect jobs and help more people into work.
Mr Stevenson said: “Buckie has not had its troubles to seek in past years, so it’s good to get some positive news on the employment front.
“Scotland is the only nation in the UK where unemployment fell between March and May this year – in the UK as a whole, unemployment rose to 5.6%.
“It is also positive to see youth employment at a record high for the March to May period.
“Despite difficult economic circumstances and cuts passed down from the UK Government, the SNP has taken action at every turn to ensure young people are able to fulfil their potential in education, work or training – and since coming to power the number of Modern Apprenticeships has increased by almost 60%.”