Unemployment figures masking workforce dip

Saturday, 18 July 2015 00:00

Low unemployment statistics should be welcomed with caution as they're masking a dip in the Island's workforce.

That's according to the Chief Minister after new figures showed we have an unemployment rate of 1.7 per cent.

Over the last three years the number of people out of work has remained relatively low - however now those actually eligible to take up employment has also dropped.

It means there are around 800 fewer people in the workforce - Allan Bell says that's where the problem lies:

More from Isle of Man News

Can you translate Filipino for court?

Could you help translate for court proceedings?
Commissioner worried over Ramsey flood wall design

A Ramsey commissioner says he's worried flood prevention proposals for the town's harbour will halve the amount of parking nearby.
AG's chambers wrongly blocked FOI response, says info commissioner

The Information Commissioner says the Attorney General's Chambers must reconsider its response to a Freedom of Information request after wrongly applying a blanket ban on the answer.
Navy ship off Island's coast

A navy patrol ship has been maneuvering around the south of the Island today.
'Harrods of the West' to reopen in April

The Western Civic Amenity site says it's planning to reopen reuse bays later this year.
Mountain Road closed on 68 days last year

The Department of Infrastructure says the Mountain Road was closed almost every five days on average last year.
Terry’s Tato’s owner named 2026 Customer Service Champion

Douglas City Centre has celebrated its 2026 Customer Service Champion Awards, with over 5,500 public votes cast.
Treasury rules out universal basic income

If you were holding your breath about universal basic income in next week's budget, you can let it out.