12 January 2022
The Back to Work quarterly report has been released today and shows that unemployment figures in Jersey are at their lowest since 2018 due to various campaigns within the Back to Work strategy.
The report also shows that the number of Islanders registered as 'Actively seeking work' has reduced by 590 since this time last year.
Currently, the number of registered job seekers stands at 810. Although 290 of these are already employed in some capacity, they are registered as actively seeking work due to being underemployed and requiring more hours.
Although the report shows a positive position for unemployment, it's worth noting that Long term unemployment remains relatively high and that support for these islanders will continue.
Doreen, an Islander who gained employment at the end of last year, said: "After not working for over 3 years due to a physical medical problem, I had lost a lot of self-confidence. I needed to change my career path in which I had no qualifications in and very little experience, but with the support from my Back to Work Employment Advisor, I gained the skills needed and my confidence grew.
"I felt ready to go on a work placement within the retail industry and put my newfound skills into practice. I am very grateful for the support I received."
The Government's #RecruitLocal campaign, supported by the Fiscal Stimulus Fund, has also had an impact in the drop in these figures due to over 180 different employers successfully engaging with the campaign and employing local job seekers.
Minister for Social Security, Deputy Judy Martin, said: "The primary goal has always been to get people back in to work as quickly as possible as the longer someone is unemployed, the harder it is for them to return to the working environment.
"I am delighted to see that the number of long-term unemployed has dropped by 70 year on year. With the challenges a lot of organisations are facing, it is also pleasing to see that all of the job starts were across a variety of industries. We will be continuing to focus on supporting long term jobseekers and helping them move closer to employment."
Employers interested in joining our incentive schemes should contact the Back to Work Team on 444444.
gov.je