SCOTLAND’S employment rate has edged above that of the UK over the past year, the latest figures show.

However, the country was also one of the only parts of the UK to record a slight rise in joblessness between July and September.

Fresh data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found the number of people out of work in Scotland increased by 0.1 per cent between July and September.

This takes the unemployment rate to four per cent, which is below the UK average of 4.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, the country’s employment rate has risen year on year to 75.2 per cent, which is narrowly ahead of the 75 per cent figure achieved for the UK as a whole.

Responding, Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “These latest employment figures are encouraging and show Scotland has higher employment rates and lower unemployment rates than the UK, with 88,000 more people in employment compared to the pre-recession peak.

“Youth unemployment rates continue to outperform the UK. This comes on top of us fulfilling our commitment to reduce youth unemployment by 40 per cent, four years ahead of schedule.”

He went on: “While these figures are positive we recognise there are still many barriers to getting people into work and are continuing to work to improve labour market conditions.

“Our new devolved employability support programmes are supporting people into work, while our ambitious new target to make Scotland a Living Wage Nation will promote fair pay.

“Today’s figures also show the Scottish labour market continues to perform well against a difficult backdrop, echoing the most recent State of the Economy Report which shows growth over the first half of 2017, with forecasts remaining positive for the future.

“However, the lack of clarity from the UK Government on Brexit poses the biggest threat to our economy and we will continue to call on the UK Government to give people and businesses greater certainty.”

The only other increases in joblessness were recorded in Yorkshire and The Humber and both South West and North West England. A 0.3 per cent drop was recorded in Wales, and 1.2 per cent in Northern Ireland.

The Welsh total remains higher than that of Scotland, while Northern Ireland’s results equalled it.

However, Scotland Secretary David Mundell said ministers at Holyrood must do better, stating: “It is encouraging to see Scotland’s employment remaining close to record highs seen earlier in the year.

“However, the slight rise in unemployment is disappointing and shows there can be no complacency as we tackle Scotland’s economic challenges.

“With growth in Scotland continuing to lag behind the rest of the UK, I urge the Scottish Government to use their considerable economic levers more effectively.”

Meanwhile, North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins yesterday pressed the Prime Minister on help for under-threat BiFab.

As many as 1,400 jobs are on the line in Fife and Lewis after the company revealed it may enter administration.

Theresa May said she had “discussed the matter briefly” at Tuesday’s meeting with Nicola Sturgeon and Climate Change and Industry Secretary Claire Perry had been in contact with Scottish Business Innovation and Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse.

She added: “The Government stand ready to work with the Scottish Government and others to try to ensure that the best result can be achieved.”