The number of manufacturing workers rose for the first time in 2 years and 4 months. In January, the number of workers at enterprises nationwide increased by 196,000 from a year earlier, continuing a gradual upward trend.
According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) on the 26th, the number of workers at enterprises with one or more employees in January was 20,246,000. That was up 196,000 (1%) from the same month a year earlier.
In particular, the number of manufacturing workers increased by 18,000 (0.5%) from a year earlier. The number of manufacturing workers turned to growth for the first time in 28 months. Manufacturing has the largest share of workers (18%) among all industries and also has a relatively high share of youth employment.
An official at the labor ministry said, "Hiring appears to have increased in the semiconductor industry," but also noted, "Because there had been a continued decline, there was a base effect." The official added, "We need to watch a bit longer to see whether the manufacturing cold spell has been resolved."
By industry, health and social welfare services saw the largest increase, up 110,000 (4.5%). Professional, scientific and technical services increased by 24,000 (1.8%).
By contrast, wholesale and retail trade, which is tied to domestic demand, fell by 11,000 (-0.5%), and the number of workers also declined in construction (-0.5%) and arts, sports and recreation-related services (-1%).
By employment status, regular employees increased by 82,000 (0.5%), and temporary and daily workers increased by 140,000 (7.9%). Other workers decreased by 26,000 (-2.1%).
By size, enterprises with fewer than 300 employees totaled 16,762,000, up 141,000 (0.9%). Those with 300 or more employees totaled 3,484,000, up 54,000 (1.6%).