Stevenson Delighted as Scotland Scores in the Top Two European Countries for Women's Employment

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, has welcomed the latest Eurostat figures showing that Scotland is in the top two European countries for women’s employment.

For the three months from January to March 2015, Scotland’s female employment rate stood at 71.1 per cent, only beaten by Sweden at 72.4 per cent. The UK rate is four places behind at 67.4 per cent.

Scotland also had the second-lowest female unemployment rate among the 28 EU countries, at 5.2 per cent, behind Germany at 4.5 per cent.

Mr Stevenson said:

“Improvements across women’s employment, unemployment, activity rates and closing the gender gap have been steady and consistent in Scotland. North of the border continues to be a better place to be a working woman than anywhere else in the UK, and these latest figures confirm that we are performing better than the majority of the 28 EU countries.

“I am delighted at these new statistics from Eurostat and they reflect the commitment of the Scottish Government to lead the way on 50:50 gender representation on boards, give young people real hope and prospects for employment and a career, and champion a true living wage.

“Breaking down traditional barriers takes time but measures that ensure the playing field becomes more truly equal over time is essential for a Scottish workforce.

“Attitudes and business practices are changing for the better and Scotland continues to be among the best countries in Europe to be a woman in work.”