UNEMPLOYMENT in Glasgow has dropped by more than 4500 in the last year, according to the latest figures.

The city has witnessed a 1.1% fall in the numbers claiming job seekers allowance, higher than the Scottish and the UK average.

The number out of work and claiming benefit in Glasgow is still one of the highest in Scotland and among the highest for UK cities, but looks to be falling at a faster rate.

In November, 18,515 people claimed JSA in Glasgow, which is a rate of 4.5%, slightly lower than the Scottish figure of 5.5% but significantly higher than the UK figure at 3%.

However the 1.1% drop since last November in Glasgow is higher than Scotland at 0.7% and the UK at 0.8%.

The overall Scottish unemployment rate is 7.1%, which is below the UK average of 7.4%.

The Scottish Government said the country was doing better than the rest of the UK, but could do even better with independence.

John Swinney, Finance Secretary, said: "These figures are another positive sign that employment in Scotland continues to increase and that our economic recovery is ongoing. Scotland has a higher employment rate, lower unemployment rate and lower inactivity rate than England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

"Consistent growth in employment shows that our policies to create jobs and boost the economy are making progress."

Alistair Carmichael, Scottish Secretary, said Scotland was benefiting from being in the UK

He said: "Today's figures reinforce how well Scotland is doing as part of the UK and they are good news for people and families across the country.

"There are 83,000 more people in employment in Scotland than there were a year ago."