Unemployment takes a dip

Unemployment in Guernsey has fallen.

At the end of March there were 416 people looking for jobs - 16 fewer than at the end of February, but the figure does not include any fulfillment industry redundancies.

Social Security Minister, Mark Dorey acknowledges the fall is small but says it is nevertheless welcome.

However, the minister is aware that bad news is just around the corner as the scrapping of Low Value Consignment Relief by the UK government begins to bite.

Deputy Dorey says the department is doing all it can to help unemployed people find jobs.

Action includes financing courses at the College of Further Education for unemployed people to train for recruitment in the hospitality sector.

Deputy Dorey said: "We're also arranging further education courses in interview techniques and CV writing so that unemployed people are helped with presenting themselves well to potential employers."

Recruitment professionals from Personnel Appointments and Advantage HR are currently working on contract for the department at Edward T Wheadon House, helping to match unemployed people with suitable vacancies.

The unemployment total represent 1.3 per cent of the working population.
(from CTV)