SWS: Adult joblessness down, but so is work availability outlook

Filipinos' outlook on the availability of work for 2013 dipped slightly, though fewer adult Filipinos lost their jobs in December 2012, a survey by pollster Social Weather Stations reported. The SWS said its survey, conducted Dec. 8 to 11, showed adult joblessness fell to 10.1 million (24.6 percent) from 11.7 million (29.4 percent) in August. In the survey published on SWS' media partner in polling BusinessWorld, the SWS said fewer respondents said they quit or were laid off, and there was also a smaller proportion of first-time jobseekers. On the other hand, the outlook on the availability of jobs was down to net +10—down seven points from August 2012, although it remained in "fair" territory. Among the 10.1 million who lost their jobs, 10 percent were retrenched; 11 percent resigned; and 3 percent were first-time jobseekers. These were down from 13 percent who were retrenched, 12 percent who resigned and 5 percent who were first-time jobseekers in August. Of the 10 percent who lost their jobs, 7 percent said their contracts were not renewed (down from 10 percent), 2 percent said their companies closed and 1 percent were laid off. Those who said their firms closed and were laid off were both unchanged from August, the SWS said. SWS said the "fair" net of +10 in December was down from +17 in August, but still better than the "mediocre" results from December 2011 to May 2012. Adult joblessness The SWS noted adult joblessness had increased since the SWS measured it in 1993. It had been mostly above 20 percent since May 2005, the SWS added. It said adult joblessness fell by almost seven points to 35.7 percent among women, and by almost four points to 15.6 percent among men. Also, it was down eight points to 20 percent among the middle-aged (35-44 years old), by almost eight points to 47.2 percent among the youth (18-24), and by over three points to 15.5 percent among those 45 years old and above. But this rose to three points to 32.9 percent among the intermediate youth aged 25 to 35. Job availability When asked about prospects for the year ahead, 32 percent replied more jobs would be available, almost the same as 33 percent in August. However, pessimism rose to 22 percent from 16 percent, while those who said there would be no change fell by three points to 34 percent. Adults polled The SWS said its joblessness data involved adults 18 years and above, compared to the official labor force floor of 15 years. It also uses the traditional definition of joblessness, or those presently not working and at the same time looking for work. In contrast, the government's definition adds the concept of "available for work." "If availability for work is also considered, the ... December joblessness rate among adults 18 years old and above is 16.5 percent (estimated 6.1 million)," it said. — BM, GMA News