Unemployment on New Providence increased in December 2019

The results of a preliminary Labour Force Survey found that unemployment on New Providence increased from 9.4 percent in May 2019 to 10.7 percent in December 2019, the Department of Statistics revealed.

“[D]ue to Hurricane Dorian’s devastation on both Grand Bahama and Abaco, the survey that was scheduled for November 2019 was conducted in December 2019 in only New Providence,” the report read.

In December 2019, there were 18,195 persons registered as unemployed.

That number is expected to nearly double during the next review period scheduled for May, due to the estimated 17,000 people who have been recently laid off because of the economic shock of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Of the unemployed, 52 percent (9,510) were men and 48 percent (8,685) were women.

“Employment in New Providence rose by 3,340 in December 2019, when compared to May 2019, and reached about 152,640 persons,” the report read.

“Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in New Providence increased to 10.7 percent, up from 9.4 percent in May 2019.

“The unemployed persons are those who, during the reference week, were without work, were available for work and were either on temporary layoff, had looked for work in the past four weeks or had a job to start within the next four weeks.

“In December 2019, there were 18,195 persons that were unemployed in New Providence, 52 percent males and 48 percent females.

“Employment gains were driven by public sector employees, which increased by five percent to 31,785 persons when compared to May. Additionally, the number of self-employed persons increased from 20,160 to 21,215.”

Employment in the private sector also increased from 98,485 people in May 2019 to 99,050 in December.

Persons registered as self-employed increased as well, from 20,165 in May to 21,215 in December.

“The community, social and personal service sector experienced the greatest increase since May 2019 (nine percent),” the report read.

“This industry, which includes the civil service, police service and domestic service, continued to be the country’s largest employer in December 2019 and accounted for 39 percent of the workforce.

“The financing, insurance, real estate and other business services sector experienced the greatest decline (11 percent).”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/03/unemployment-on-new-providence-increased-in-december-2019/