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574,498 Nigerians joined labour market in H1 – NBS

By on August 4, 2015

The National Bureau of Statistics on Sunday said a total of 574,498 active people joined the labour market in the second quarter of this year.

It stated this in its second quarter unemployment/underemployment report, which was made available to our correspondent in Abuja.

The NBS stated that while these persons (within the ages of 15 and 64) increased from 102.8 million in the first quarter to 103.5 million in the second quarter, the labour force population (those within the working age) increased to 74 million from 73.4 million in the first quarter.

The 574,498 new entrants, the report added, represented an increase of 0.81 per cent.

Within the same period, the report stated that the total number of people in full employment (did something for at least 40 hours) decreased by 1,317,700.

It attributed the decrease in the number of people in full employment to either job losses or that the previously fully employed persons chose or were forced to work on a part-time basis.

It added, “In the Q2 2015, the labour force population (those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work) increased to 74.0 million from 73.4 million in the Q1 2015, representing an increase in the labour force by 0.81 per cent.

“This means 574,498 economically active persons within 1564 entered the labour force. That is, they were able and willing and actively looking for work between April 1 and June 30, 2015.”

In terms of unemployment by gender, the report stated that the number of women that were unemployed within the period was higher than their male counterparts.

For instance, it notes, “While 9.6 per cent of women in the labour force (those between 15 and 65 willing, able and actively working or searching for work) were unemployed in the quarter two of 2015, another 21.6 per cent of women in the labour force were underemployed in the quarter two, 2015.

“On the other hand, 6.9 per cent of males were unemployed in the Q2, 2015, while another 15.4 per cent of males in the labour force were underemployed.”

It added that underemployment continued to be more of a rural phenomenon with 22.1 per cent compared to 7.4 per cent rural unemployment.

Underemployment occurs if one works less than full time, which is 40 hours per week.

It can also occur if one works full time but engages in an activity that underutilises one’s skills, time and educational qualifications.

 

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