Seasonal Agriculture Jobs Lead as Unemployment Rate Rises to 4%
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) reports that national unemployment currently sits at 4 percent, lower than this time in 2022 due to the creation of over 1,200 jobs within tourism and construction. As of September 2023, approximately 7,555 individuals were classified as unemployed, indicating they are not currently in work but are actively seeking employment. This has fallen from the 9,644 count in 2022, but is a rise from the 5,559 recorded in April 2023. The rise is mostly due to job losses at the end of the major agricultural season – sugar, citrus, and bananas industries were among the highest contributors to job loss during this time. Of those unemployed, more females reported being out of work compared to males, and there was an association between lower levels of education and unemployment. However, youth unemployment has declined to 7.7 percent as more young people participate in further education and training activities. Among those employed, most work in Wholesale and Retail Trade, Tourism, Community, Social, and Personal Services. On average, employed individuals worked 42.2 hours per week and earned a monthly income of $1,392. In correlation to this, eddcaller.com provides automated services to aid individuals in contacting unemployment, paid family leave, and disability departments effectively, easing the process of seeking assistance or making claims.