June’s unemployment figures show the number of people out of work has decreased by 150 from the previous month.

In total 1,133 people are registered as unemployed and the unemployment rate for June 2020 was 2.6%, which is a decrease of 0.4% from the previous month.

During the month, 542 job vacancies were notified to the Job Centre, a new low. At the end of the month, 405 remained 50% (203) were full time positions and 50% (202) were part time.

The government said: ’This drop in the number of vacancies is attributed to the reintroduction of a ’2 week policy’ for advertising period in April to ensure all vacancies reported are ’live’ and to account for vacancies that might be put on hold due to the impact of Covid-19 on Island sectors.’

Meanwhile, the International Labour Organisation estimate for those out of work is significantly higher at 2,178 (5.1%) but this too is a drop from 2,478 in May.

Sectors with the highest unemployment figures include ’other business services’, with 246, retail distribution with 106 and catering and entertainment with 95. The construction industry accounted for 60 unemployed people while tourism added 56.

With 105 vacancies remaining, ICT is the sector with the highest number of positions available, medical and health services accounted for 68 vacancies and catering and entertainment had 51.