LEETON’S unemployment rate is tracking slightly higher than this time last year.
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However, Leeton Sire Council says there’s no cause for alarm because there is no shortage of jobs in town.
The unemployment trend of 5.7 per cent in Leeton shire is only marginally higher than council expected compared to the same time in 2017.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census data, Leeton’s unemployment rate was 5.2 per cent, which was lower than the national rate of 6.9 per cent.
Council’s economic development co-ordinator Monica Armanini couldn’t quite put her finger on why the number had jumped slightly. “There is no shortage of jobs,” she said.
“We will be observing statistics from various sources over the next few months and researching further to understand more possible reasons for the statistical increase in the unemployment rate trends.”
Feedback from businesses in the shire is there are jobs about, but there are a lack of skilled and unskilled workers at various times during the year.
The shortages are generally in the automotive, machine operators, engineering and metals and engineering, human resources, accounting, electricians and more.
“There is also naturally a higher demand for employees during peak manufacturing and processing periods,” Mrs Armanini said.
“Like other regional centres it is a challenge to attract (employees) from the city to work in an area such as Leeton.
“A number of initiatives are underway to address the skill gaps.”
These include the Grow our Own program, working with governments and working with businesses.
However, while the unemployment rate will be put under the microscope, council believes the shire’s economy is well positioned.
The gross regional product, which is the net measure of wealth generated by the region, is currently valued at $759.232 million.
In 2016 this figure was around $527 million.
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