More residents in the North East are approaching their CDC for help to
get jobs, with the number jumping by 68 per cent in the first nine
months, compared to a year ago.
Job seekers registered with the CDC peaked in April.
This it said is likely due to the increase in retrenchments during the period.
But the number eased slightly in September as a recovering economy has led to fewer layoffs.
The number of jobs available rose by 1,210 in the third quarter from three months earlier.
The CDC said this could be due to more employers approaching it.
As a result, the job placement rate in September went up by 86 per cent from August.
But compared to a year ago, the placement rate for the first nine
months of this year was down by 33 per cent because of the ailing job
market conditions in the first two quarters.
The CDC also reported an 85 per cent increase in the number of job
seekers sent for training in the third quarter, compared to a year ago.
This brings the total to almost 1,900 from January to September.
The number of residents seeking social assistance has also risen sharply this year - up 53 per cent - from a year ago.
But the CDC said since July, the number has been steadily dropping due to the improvements in the economy.
--938Live