Recession hits capital hardest

Press, 5 December 1978, Page 15

Recession hits capital hardest

PA Wellington Wellington is suffering more from the recession than many other regions,; according to a study made for the Wellington Regional Planning Authority. The number of people employed full-time in the region fell by more than 3000 in the 12 months to April. 1978, the study says. "Wellington’s share of the national unemployment total has been relatively stable ‘.nee March, 1978, at 7.5 to 8 per cent. "National unemployment fgures now appear to he falling slightly, but in the Wellington region the small decrease in the number of registered unemployed has ; been more than offset by an! increase in the number on; special work.” The study also found that I an increasing number of' people were moving out of - the region. “This development is : consistent with other symptoms of regional economic depression, ; particularly rising unemployment levels. “Migration losses may | worsen the unemployment situation by creating skill imbalances and reducing economic demand,” - the report says. The number of people I with full-time jobs in the region in April was 131,282. almost 3290 fewer than the number of full-time workers; the year before. Male workers were the hardest hit, with more than 2200 fewer jobs, while there were about . 950 fewer women workers. Manufacturing industries have taken the brunt of the; recession, with 2800 fewer, workers than they employed a year before.

In contrast, the number of jobs in the public administration and defence category rose by almost 500, and the number of community and social I workers rose by a similar: figure. The number of part-time: jobs in the region is at its i lowest since April. 1975. There was a drop of 8001 in the 12 months to April, i 1978, with women, who! make up two-thirds of part-; time workers, bearing, the: 1 brunt with a drop of 700! jobs.