South Korea sees slower growth of jobs in Q3’2021

South Korea experienced a slower growth of jobs in Q3’2021 compared to the preceding quarter, according to data from Statistics Korea.

The number of paid employees hit 19.6 million as of end-September, up 2.6%, or 491,000 year-on-year. The figure was much lower than the year-on-year increase of 681,000 in Q2’2021. 

The accommodation and food service sectors saw a fall in 29,000 jobs over the period, while the public administration saw a decline in 30,000 roles. Over O3’2021, the manufacturing sector added 53,000 workers, while the industries of health and social welfare saw an increase of 137,000 roles. 

READ: South Korea approves extra budget to help businesses

Altogether, the manufacturing industry accounted for 21.1% of the job total, followed by the health and social welfare sector, at 11.5%, and the distribution sector, at 10.8%. Meanwhile, the number of jobs for workers in their 60s and above rose by 243,000, recording the highest increase among all age groups.

The number of jobs for men increased by 203,000 in the third quarter from a year earlier, while job roles for women rose by 288,000.