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Jersey has recorded its lowest rate of unemployment since records began in 2011.
The latest employment data report from Statistics Jersey shows that the number of islanders registered as 'actively seeking work' reduced by around 600 compared to last year.
In the first quarter of 2022, it was recorded that 720 people registered as ‘actively seeking work’.
This was a large decrease since the beginning of lockdown in 2020 when there were almost 2,300 people looking for work.
The report showed that there were more females than males who were registered, with women dominating from ages 25 to 59 years old.
Pictured: Figure 2. The largest age group difference was found in the 40 to 44-year group. A ratio of 60/20 shows triple the number of males.
The vast majority of individuals - 590 (82%) - were of British/Jersey nationality. 9% were Portuguese/Madeiran and 5% were from EU nations.
32% of people had been registered for three months or less, whilst 38% were recorded as seeking work for 12 months or more.
Of the 720, 120 individuals were recorded as being engaged in paid employment but classed as 'underemployed'.
Underemployed individuals work fewer hours than they would like or are looking to change their current working situation.
In March 2022, 90% of people who were looking for employment were receiving income support - a rise of 9% since 2017.
The report found that over a quarter of individuals seeking jobs were receiving long term incapacity allowance (LTIA).
LTIA is a social security contribution given to those who need financial support from illnesses. Anyone who claims less than 50% of the maximum are required to register as actively seeking work.
Of all those classed as actively seeking work, figures were held on the previous industry of employment for 92% of them. Of these individuals:
18% had been employed in miscellaneous professional and domestic services;
16% had been employed in retail and wholesale, motor repairs and sales;
16% had been employed in banking, miscellaneous insurance, finance and business; and
13% were previously employed in hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs.
Statistics Jersey noted that people seeking employment through the private sector are underrepresented because they do not always disclose that they are 'actively seeking work'.
Social Security Minister Deputy Judy Martin credited the Back to Work scheme for the lower unemployment numbers.
The programme was launched in 2015 by the government in response to tackling unemployment. The Back to Work team is made up of experienced Employment Advisors who help those in need of workplace skills. People who are on Income Support, unless exempt from job seeking, are expected to interact with the team.
"I'm delighted to see the number of unemployed come down as the Back to Work team continue to get as many job seekers back into employment as quickly as possible," Deputy Martin said.
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