10 Aug 2017

Fiji jobless stats lowest in 15 years

1:40 pm on 10 August 2017

The Fiji Bureau of Statistics has released preliminary findings of an employment survey done last year which it says shows unemployment is at 5.5 per cent - the lowest rate in 15 years.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum Photo: SUPPLIED

The Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, said it was clear evidence that growth in the economy was bringing benefits to everyone.

He claimed eight years of economic growth has translated directly into more jobs and new investment opportunities.

The survey also showed 37 percent more employers than five years ago.

It also reported a drastic fall in the school drop out rate from about 32 percent in 2011 to just under 5 percent in 2016.

It also reported a drastic fall in the school drop out rate from about 31.9 percent in 2010-2011 to 4.8 percent in 2015-2016.

The Attorney-General said this is due to the massive investments made by the government to expand access to high quality education.