Level of employment declining: BPNG

THE Bank of PNG’s employment index shows that the level of employment in the private sector declined by 2.4 per cent in the December quarter of last year.
The decline in the September quarter was 2.3 per cent.
Governor Loi Bakani noted in the economic bulletin, released on Monday, that, excluding the mineral sector, the level of employment fell by 2.5 per cent.
“By sector, employment declined in the wholesale, construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing, manufacturing, financial and other services, and the retail sectors, while it increased in the transportation and mineral sectors,” he said.
“By region, employment declined in all regions, with the highest recorded in Mamose (excluding Morobe), followed by the Highlands, Islands, Morobe, Southern and the National Capital District.
“In 2019, the total employment level declined from 2.2 per cent, compared to an increase of 2.3 per cent in 2018.
“Excluding the mineral sector, the level of employment declined by 2.7 per cent in 2019, following a decline of 0.3 per cent in 2018.”