Jersey unemployment rises to 1,470 in February

The number of people registered as unemployed in Jersey rose to 1,470 last month.

That is 80 more compared to January, and 150 more than in February 2010.

The number of people unemployed for longer than a year also rose to 170 in February, a rise of 60 since the same time last year.

And of the 1,470 people registered with the Social Security Department as unemployed and actively seeking work 67% were receiving Income Support.

Most of the people unemployed were aged 17 to 19, and of those 320 teenagers, 140 were on the Advance to Work scheme.

'Monitoring market'

Senator Alan Maclean, Chairman of Skills Jersey and Minister for Economic Development, said: "Whilst it is always disappointing to see an increase in the number of people registered as unemployed it is encouraging to note that, analysis of our data indicates that the rate at which people are being displaced from employment is slowing."

"A number of training and development initiatives are being developed in the areas of construction, care, retail and IT to provide unemployed people with the tools they need to increase their chances of gaining work."

The Social Security Department said it had enhanced its services by providing a personal adviser to help people overcome the barriers they face when applying for jobs.

It said it will be particularly focussing on young people aged 16 to 24 who are having problems in getting a job.