Despite a fall in the number of people unemployed and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in the Borders last month, the March figure was still the second highest in 12 months.
Figures released last week showed that 2,215 people were claiming JSA in mid-March, down 67 on the February total.
This represents 3.2 per cent of people of working age (16-64) in the area.
A detailed breakdown of JSA claimants in the Borders revealed that in March eight per cent of people of working age in the old Upper Langlee and Ladhope ward were claiming JSA, compared to just 1.1 per cent in the former West Linton and District ward.
Across Scotland there was a drop in unemployment last month.