Unemployment is stable. The number of job seekers reached approximately 230,000, seasonally-adjusted, in November, the same as in September-October, Israel National Employment Service director-general Esther Dominicini said today.
Original figures indicate 231,800 job seekers in November, an increase of 3,100 people, mainly due to lay-offs after the Jewish High Holy Days, mostly by retail chains and hotels.
The number of job seekers in November fell 1.8%, or 4,168 people, compared with November 2003, but was still 24.8% higher, compared with November 2002, an increase of 45,775 people.
The number of job seekers with higher degrees fell by 3.5%, or 571 people, in November. There was no change in the number of ordinary unemployed. The number of job seekers with higher degrees fell by 11%, or 1,978 people, compared with November 2003. The number of ordinary unemployed fell by 12%, or 10,438 people, compared with November 2003.
The number of applications for income support rose by 0.4%, or 486 applicants, in November. The number of applications for income support in November rose by 6.4%, or 8,248 applicants, compared with November 2003.
Despite the stability, there has not yet been any decline in unemployment. 22,641 new job seekers joined the ranks of the unemployed in November, 56% of whom were newly laid off. 14.7% of the new job seekers, or 3,366 people, also applied for income support. An additional 13.2% of new job seekers, or 2,995 people, were discharged soldiers.
The average unemployment in Israel was 7.8% in November. The unemployment rate was above the national average in seven districts, with the highest level recorded in the Negev- 13.4%; closely followed by the Western Galilee - 13.1%; and the Jezreel Valley - 12.2%.
High unemployment was also recorded in the south - 11.2%; Haifa and its environs - 9.9%; northern Samaria - 8.3%; and the Upper Galilee - 8.2%.
Lower than average unemployment rates were recorded in Rehovot - 5.7%; Jerusalem - 4.7%; and Tel Aviv, Dan region, and the southern Sharon - 4.1%.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on December 22, 2004