500 Degree holders unemployed: Usamate

Fiji’s Minister of Labour, Industries and Employment Jone Usamate says unemployment remains a serious concern locally.

Among the unemployed are at least 500 University graduates who are registered with the National Employment Centre (NEC) system looking for an opportunity to work to earn their livelihood.

“There are at least 500 with degrees are registered in the National Employment Centre (NEC) system at the moment who are looking for jobs,” he said. “Unemployment is a major, major issue in Fiji.”

Hence, reiterated the need to stick to 55 as retirement age in order to curb the growing unemployment rate in the country.

With that, government has also taken a hand on approach to train youths for blue collar jobs as well as tap into its Pacific bilateral ties for volunteering works.

Usamate said while some people try to separate Fiji from other Pacific Islands, they cannot stop the Pacific family spirit.

“No one can prevent that, the family of one ocean, the spirit of sharing and meeting its own people.”

By Ropate Valemei