Hagåtña, Guam – Following several job creation and economic development initiatives implemented by the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration, the Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) has reported an unemployment decrease of 3.3 percentage points as of September 2021. Guam’s unemployment rate is currently up 4.5 percentage points from figures reported prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The total number of unemployed people in September 2021 was 5,660 or 8.1%, a substantial decrease from the pandemic-urged high of 19.4% in December 2020. The employment survey conducted by GDOL covered 124,110 residents of Guam ages 16 and above. GDOL reports that the September 2021 unemployment rate reflects a decrease in unemployed people since June 2021 and is attributed to a decrease in labor force participation and an increase in employment.
“Despite the challenges of this pandemic, we have ensured that job creation and economic development remain top priorities. Our steadily decreasing unemployment rates symbolize the resilient progress our people have made to date,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Through skilled labor boot camps, pre-apprenticeship programs, and thoughtful investments, we have made great efforts to provide our community with ample opportunities to secure employment. These latest rates present promising evidence and urge us to continue on the road to recovery.”
“With gainful employment on the rise and the gears of our economy grinding in tune, we are seeing positive growth for Guam,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “Still, there remains more work left to accomplish. We are reimagining and revitalizing our tourism industry to welcome a robust return of visitors. We are diversifying our economy to create even more jobs and a sustainable workforce that will weather the challenges of the future. We are actively working to meet these goals and many more, and we continue to make progress.”
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