Description:

This indicator measures the difference between the employment rates for men and women (aged 16-64) within Scotland.

Source of Data:

The data for this indicator are gathered through the Annual Population Survey (APS). APS is the largest annual household survey in Scotland and provides information about individuals' personal circumstances and their work. It is carried out by the Office for National Statistics.

Results from the Annual Population Survey are published on the Scottish Government website - within the Regional employment patterns in Scotland: statistics from the Annual Population Survey' publication.

http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Labour-Market/Publications

The measurement is based on the difference, in percentage points, between the male and female employment rates in Scotland. A positive gap represents higher male than female employment rate.

Definitions:

The number of people in employment in Scotland consists of people aged 16 years and over who did one hour or more of paid work per week and those who had a job that they were temporarily away from.

The headline measure of employment is the employment rate for those aged from 16 to 64 years, which is calculated as the proportion of the population within this age range who are in employment.

Criteria for Change:

This evaluation is based on:

• any difference within +/- 1.0 percentage points of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change.
• A decrease of 1.0 percentage points or more suggests the position is improving;
• whereas an increase of 1.0 percentage points or more suggests the position is worsening.