Statistics Korea, September Employment Trends
Newly Employed Decreased by 392,000 for 7 Consecutive Months
Unemployed Reach 1 Million... Up 116,000 Compared to Same Month Last Year
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Due to the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in mid-August this year, the decrease in newly employed persons in September expanded further. The number of unemployed increased sharply by 116,000.
According to the 'September Employment Trends' announced by Statistics Korea on the 16th, the number of employed persons aged 15 and over was 27,012,000, down 392,000 (-1.4%) compared to the same month last year. Accordingly, the employment rate fell by 1.2 percentage points to 60.3%.
Newly employed persons decreased in all age groups except those aged 60 and over. While the number increased by 419,000 for those aged 60 and over, it decreased by 284,000 in their 30s, 198,000 in their 20s, 176,000 in their 40s, and 133,000 in their 50s.
By industry, increases were seen in health and social welfare services (135,000; 5.9%), public administration, defense, and social security administration (106,000; 9.8%), and construction (55,000; 2.7%). However, decreases occurred in accommodation and food services (-225,000; -9.8%), wholesale and retail trade (-207,000; -5.7%), and education services (-151,000; -7.9%).
The number of unemployed in September was 1 million, up 116,000 (13.1%) compared to the same month last year, marking the fifth consecutive month of increase. The unemployment rate rose by 0.5 percentage points to 3.6%.
Last month, the economically inactive population was 16,817,000, an increase of 532,000 (3.3%) compared to the same month last year. Among them, the population who 'rested' increased in all age groups, including 20s (83,000; 23.9%) and 30s (66,000; 28.8%). The number of discouraged workers was 645,000, up 113,000 compared to the same month last year.
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