Work and Poverty

The population of working age in West Lothian of 118,637 has continued to increase and it is projected to increase by 5.1% up to 2032.

Latest estimates indicate that 87,400 or 72.6% of the working age population are in employment (compared to 74.2% for Scotland). Within this total there are 78,300 employees (65.1%) and 8,000 self-employed (6.6%). The latest estimated jobs density for West Lothian is 0.71 jobs available per working age person.

Local unemployment is 2.5% of the general working age population. This rate is 0.5% below the Scottish average and 1.4% below the UK average. The labour market has cooled across Scotland over the last year, and while recruitment has slowed, there has still been sustained demand for workers in the West Lothian region throughout 2025. It is expected that while national unemployment rates may see a small rise during 2026, the impact locally is likely to be less.

Source: DWP, Stat-Xplore, ONS, Nomis

Gross wage levels for West Lothian (workplace) are generally just below the Scottish levels. Part-time wages remain close to the Scottish average for both residents and in the local workplace.

Some key statistics around unemployment and poverty in West Lothian are:

• Unemployment is currently 2.5% of the general working age population and 4.5% for 18-24-year-olds
• The West Lothian unemployment rate is 0.5% below the Scottish average and 1.4% below UK average
• 2,945 people in West Lothian are receiving Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit and are searching for work
• 0.71 jobs available per working age person
• In-work claimants of Universal Credit make up 6.0% of the West Lothian working age population.

The increase in employer National Insurance contributions, the minimum wage and the living wage, has resulted in a slowing in the rate of wage growth. This in turn has resulted in a slowing down in the job market, underemployment among younger people, and increased job insecurity. The Cost of Living crisis has also contributed to a significant squeeze on household incomes across both low and middle-income households. These key factors all impact the working age population, creating potential for higher levels of 'in-work poverty'.

• 73% of children in poverty live in working families in Scotland
• More than 60% of people in poverty in Scotland have one or more person in their household in work
• An estimated 12.9% of all jobs in West Lothian pay hourly rates below the living wage. Scotland has a slightly lower rate of 11.3%
• Average weekly pay for full time employment in West Lothian is £768.90 or £40,134 per year (residents). Scottish averages FT are £775.60 weekly pay and £39,905 per year
• 14.2% of West Lothian working residents earn below the living wage compared to 11.3% for Scotland as a whole.

.Whilst unemployment and economic inactivity as a result of ill health, disabilities or caring responsibilities can contribute as key drivers to poverty, the reduction in unemployment over the last five years has been accompanied by an increase in the number of "working poor" and growth in insecure jobs and underemployment.