Huwebes, Mayo 2, 2013

Unemployment up to 25.4 percent: survey


Thursday, May 2, 2013

DESPITE the number of jobs offered in the country, the unemployment rate remains high, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.

According to the SWS’s March 19-22 survey, the unemployment rate in the country increased to 25.4 percent from 24.6 percent in December 2012. This is equivalent to about 11.1 million jobless Filipinos.

Nevertheless, the survey showed that Filipinos are confident enough about the "job availability" or the chance to have a job after 12 months.

The SWS used as respondents in the March survey those at least 18 years old. It defines “unemployed” as those who are not working and looking for work.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said, though, that she feels proud that the job fairs all over the country were successfully done, adding that half a million jobs for Filipinos were given.

In Metro Manila, she said about 171,000 Filipinos were given a job.

Included in job openings on Wednesday were cyber services, tourism, banking and finance, hotel and restaurant, health and wellness, wholesale and retail trade, automotive and construction. 

(Melmae L. Makiputin, Norsu-Intern/Sunnex)