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5:24 pm on 3 August 2021, Tuesday
The proportion of unemployed Filipinos was steady in June, state statisticians reported Tuesday, but the quality of jobs deteriorated.
In a report, the Philippine Statistics Authority said the number of Filipinos who are either jobless or out of business stood at 3.76 million in June, up from 3.73 million in May.
Despite the slight uptick, the unemployment rate settled at 7.7%, steady from the preceding month.
The PSA also reported that more Filipinos looked for additional working hours in June as the pandemic drags on. An estimated 6.41 million Filipinos were underemployed during the month, translating to a rate of 14.2%.
The latest underemployment reading was higher than 12.3% recorded in May.
In joint a statement, economic managers said the August unemployment figures will likely take a hit from another enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila this month.
“The labor force survey results for June 2021 show the limits of job creation without major relaxations in quarantine restrictions, especially in the National Capital Region,” they said.
“Although the ECQ imposition may temporarily impact employment outcomes in August 2021, the government is determined to maximize this period to accelerate vaccination in high-risk areas in order to safely resume economic activities and restore jobs,” they added.