EMPLOYMENT REGISTER (Figures)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Labour (a) what was the number of persons registered for employment as at 31st December, 1986 and the number of jobs found in 1986; and (b) whether the job market improved in the last quarter of 1986 and in which sectors.

The Minister for Labour (Mr Lee Yock Suan): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as at 31st December 1986, 8,910 persons were registered with the Employment Services Department as compared to 9,900 at the end of 1985. A total of 3,460 persons secured jobs through the department in 1986.

The job market has improved in the last quarter of 1986 with an estimated 15,600 jobs created. The improvement was, however, only in certain sectors, notably Manufacturing, with about 8,200 jobs created, Commerce with 6,600 jobs and Community, Social and Personal services with 2,500 jobs. The Construction sector continued to decline, losing 2,200 jobs.

On the whole, 1986 saw a net increase of about 11,000 jobs. Growth in the second half of 1986 created about 29,000 jobs which more than offset the loss of 18,000 jobs in the first half of the year. Based on preliminary figures, the unemployment rate for December 1986 is estimated to be 4.6%, down from 6.5% in June 1986. Allowing for seasonal adjustments, the final figure for December 1986 may be slightly higher than 4.6%.