The number of jobseekers totaled 197,800 persons in June 2012, 2.8% more than in June 2011, but 1.5% fewer than in May 2012, the Israel National Employment Service reported today. The numbers indicate an increase in unemployment, following the drop in unemployment between July 2009 and October 2011.
The total number of jobseekers in June includes 17,052 new jobseekers, 73% of whom (12,444 persons) were laid off. There were 185,400 unemployed persons in June, 0.3% more than in May.
"Analysis of trend figures show a U-turn in unemployment figures in October 2011, after an average monthly drop of 0.6% between July 2009 and October 2011," states the Employment Service. "The number of jobseekers rose by 0.3% between November 2011 and June 2012."
Alongside the increase in jobseekers, demand for employees has fallen. Demand for employees fell to just 22,500 persons in June, down 8.7% from 24,700 in May, and down 18.5% from 27,600 in June 2011. These are original data, and do not take into account seasonal factors, such as holidays and the number of workdays in a month.
Demand for employees averaged 22,500 a month in the first half of 2012, 13.1% less than the monthly average of 25,900 in 2011.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 23, 2012
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