BY IAN CROUCH
The latest jobs figures for the Hunter show a continuing improvement in the unemployment rate since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The jobless rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie fell by 1.4per cent in December to 7 per cent, down from a peak of 11 per cent in June with around 20,000 jobs recovered since then.
Across the Hunter, the rate fell from 6.5 per cent in November to 5.9 per cent.
The best news is in the youth unemployment rate, which has fallen significantly from 16.1 per cent to 6.3.
Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes says the figures suggest many of the jobs lost up until June last year have largely been recovered, but some sectors of the region's economy are still feeling the pinch.
"While the labour force figures point to a sharp recovery, the economy remains fragile, with certain sectors still disproportionately affected, including entertainment, travel and businesses that rely on international patronage," he said.
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| Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes |
