8,000 manufacturing jobs lost in crisis

Manufacturers: Industrial output fell 5.5% between September 2008 and January 2009.

The Manufacturers Association of Israel today released precise figures on the effect of the global economic crisis on Israeli industry since September 2008, when the crisis began to hit hard. Manufacturers Association Economics Division director Ruby Ginel said that 5,000 industrial employees were fired in January, bringing the number of jobs lost in September-January to 8,000 altogether. The new figures replace earlier estimates about the impact of the crisis on Israeli industry.

Ginel noted that, in September-January, industrial output fell by 5.5%, wiping out much of the 7% growth achieved in January-August 2008.

A breakdown of the job losses by industry was as follows: metals and electrical appliances - 1,900 jobs; rubber and plastics - 1,790 jobs; textiles and clothing - 1,110 jobs; electronic components - 1,080 jobs; printing and publishing - 600 jobs; wood and wood products - 280 jobs; paper and paper products - 165 jobs; electronic control and supervision equipment - 115 jobs; non-metal minerals - 95 jobs; and footwear and leather products - 80 jobs.

At the same time, three manufacturing sectors added jobs: food and beverages - 680 jobs; chemicals - 150; and electronic communications equipment - 110 jobs.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 19, 2009

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2009

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