Unemployment Rate in Scottish Borders (April 2026)
Claimant Rate
2.9%
Scottish Borders · April 2026
-0.6pp vs UK average
Scottish Borders Claimant Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Claimant Rate — Scottish Borders | 2.9% |
| Number of Claimants | 1,970 |
| UK Average Claimant Rate | 3.5% |
| Difference vs UK | -0.6 percentage points |
| Data Period | April 2026 |
| Source | ONS Claimant Count (Universal Credit + JSA) |
Understanding the Claimant Rate in Scottish Borders
The claimant rate in Scottish Borders is 2.9%, slightly below the UK average of 3.5%. This suggests Scottish Borders has a relatively active job market with employment levels broadly ahead of the national norm.
What is the Claimant Count?
The claimant count measures the number of people claiming Universal Credit principally for the reason of being unemployed, plus those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). The rate is expressed as a percentage of the estimated population aged 16–64. It is published monthly by the ONS and provides the most up-to-date picture of unemployment at a local level.