Labour Assessment Survey to be launched in February

The Ministry of Labour will be launching a Labour Assessment Survey in February to examine the skill supply and labour market needs across the country.   

Minister Hon. Joseph Hamilton made this disclosure during an interview with the Department of Public Information on Monday.

“We are hoping to conclude the formal economy by the end of the second quarter and the informal economy by the end of the third quarter of this year,” he said.

Minister Hamilton said currently, the Ministry has no data regarding the skills available and what is needed in the labour market. The survey will provide an overall analysis of economic, social and technical growth drivers as well as an overview of the current labour market trends.

“The Ministry should have a handle and an understanding of all the skill sets that exist in this country, by number and quantity, nationally and in every region. That is the only way we can plan.

Presently, we don’t know how many mechanics we need, we don’t know how many heavy-duty equipment operators we need. So, by the time we analyse the data, we will know all the necessary things that needs be done for 2022,” Minister Hamilton said.

Further, he said the survey will also guide the Ministry’s strategic plan on the way forward for demand-driven technical and vocational training to address the challenges in the labour market. It will also help the Ministry determine what is needed in terms of Labour and Occupational Safety and Health officers countrywide.

Minister Hamilton explained that the survey differs from the National Quarterly Labour Force Survey being conducted by the Bureau of Statistics. The main objectives of that Survey are to among other things, collect accurate data on unemployment and the composition of the labour force based on education and gender.