The jumping job numbers speak - 25,700 more persons employed, says PIOJ

The Labour Force Survey for April 2014 shows that the number of persons employed up to that month stood at 1,133,000, representing a 25,700 increase over the corresponding period last year.

The survey, carried out by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, also reveals that the unemployment rate for the month declined to 13.6 per cent, 2.7 per cent lower than the similar period in 2013.

These figures were released by Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Director General Colin Bullock during the agency's quarterly media briefing held at its New Kingston head office on August 20.

Bullock said the survey's findings show that 11 of the 16 industry groups reviewed recorded higher employment levels.

The largest increases, he said, were recorded in hotels and restaurants, which increased by the largest margin - 9,100 persons; transport, storage, and communications - up by 7,300 persons; and manufacturing, which went up by 6,500 persons.

Three sectors recorded lower employment figures for the period. These were education - down by 8,400 persons; construction - down 6,000 persons; and wholesale and retail, repair of motor vehicles and equipment, which recorded the smallest decline - 1,900 persons.

Bullock said the survey shows the unemployed labour force contracting by 37,000 persons.

- JIS