STATIN- Unemployment for October 2021 Declined

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting that more Jamaicans have jobs than just over a year ago. The report compared the decline in unemployment for October 2021 to October 2020, amid growing signs of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Despite a setback brought on by natural disasters in 2021 and travel restrictions, according to STATIN, value-added increased and so too did most industries, with the exception of mining and quarrying. The country’s gross domestic product is again showing signs of recovery as reflected in the July to September 2021 quarter. STATIN notes the continued rebound from the ills of the pandemic since 2020.

Carol Coy- Director-General, STATIN says while there was a relaxation of the COVID-19 measures and easing of travel restrictions growth was however tempered by tropical storms, Grace and Ida.

And despite growth in most sectors for the period, she says a setback caused by the fire at a Jamalco plant in August 2021 resulted in a negative 29.7 percent drop in the mining and quarrying sector. Additionally, both imports and exports grew over the period in 2021 compared to 2020 despite not returning to pre covid levels.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in October 2021 ( 1,234,800 employed persons in Jamaica) again dipped compared to October 2020.

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