Unemployment up again in NL

Central Statistics reports reveal unemployment rose again for the third month in row. Unemployment rose with 13,000 in February to 691,000 people, which is 8.8 percent of the workforce. The new numbers indicate unemployment is back to the same level it was in July 2013.

Approximately 13,000 people lost their jobs every month over the past 3 months. The age group between 25-45 were hardest hit with an average of 7,000 a month. Applications for unemployment benefits rose steep in February with 22 percent and were mainly from the transport, storage, care and wellness branches. The number of applications only rose among the group 45 and up, and strongest among the 55 and up. Those younger than 45 actually showed a decrease in applications, which was strongest among the group 25 and younger.