Q1 unemployment at 2.1%

By The Nation

The number of the unemployed in the first quarter of this year rose from 550,000 at end-2008 to 780,000, or 2.1 per cent of total workforce, according to the National Economic and Social Development Board.

Suwannee Khamman, deputy secretary-general, noted that the figure is better than expected. The NESDB earlier expected the unemployment rate to reach 2.5 per cent or about 900,000.

She noted that employment is still expanding in the agriculture and services sectors as well as the government projects.

"However, we're concerned with the rising household debts among low-income earners, as risks are greater at the time of economic downturn," she said.

Q1 unemployment at 2.1%

The number of the unemployed in the first quarter of this year rose from 550,000 at end-2008 to 780,000, or 2.1 per cent of total workforce, according to the National Economic and Social Development Board.

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