INVERCLYDE has seen one of the largest falls in unemployment across the whole of Scotland, according to newly-released figures.

The number people out of work in the district has fallen by just over four per cent.

In 2012, Inverclyde’s unemployment rate was sitting at 12.1 per cent, or 4,600 people.

This compared poorly with Scotland’s overall figures of 7.9 per cent and 213,100.

Last year, however, Inverclyde’s unemployment percentage was down to eight per cent.

The improvement means that the latest figure for the number of people looking for work in the area is 3,000.

The figures for Scotland as a whole in 2013 were 7.7 per cent, and 207,000.

The good news on the jobs front was highlighted by the SNP’s Stuart McMillan after the chief statistician published a report on Local Area Labour Markets.

It was compiled using the annual population survey for January to December 2013.

Mr McMillan, pictured, said: “I welcome the news that the unemployment rate in Inverclyde has decreased and is one of the largest decreases throughout Scotland.

“A decrease of 4.1 per cent is encouraging, and highlights how the policies of the Scottish Government to get the economy moving are steadily paying dividend.” The MSP insists, however, that it will be important to guard against any complacency.

He said: “We cannot rest until all individuals have the opportunity of meaningful employment, and I’m certain this will continue to be the focus of the Scottish Government.”