Minho Shin, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member, "High-Quality Jobs Still Lacking in Jeonnam"

We Must Create a Jeonnam Where Youth Can Live, Not Just Return

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Jeonnam received the "Grand Prize" at the "2019 National Local Government Job Awards," but concerns have been raised that quality jobs are lacking and the employment market for youth is deteriorating.

Jeonnam Provincial Council member Shin Minho criticized during the Job Policy Headquarters briefing on the 15th, stating, "Although job creation is being promoted as the top priority policy of the 7th local government administration, quality jobs are still insufficient."

Jeonnam was ranked 2nd nationwide (excluding Jeju) with an employment rate of 63.4% last year, and the unemployment rate was surveyed to be 2.6%, the lowest level in the country.

Council member Shin Minho pointed out, "Although the employment rate is higher than the national average and the unemployment rate is lower, the per capita income is the lowest in the country," adding, "Employment indicators have improved, but it is difficult for residents to evaluate that their quality of life has improved."

He continued, "The unemployment rate indicates the proportion of unemployed persons among the economically active population aged 15 and over, but those who are not seeking jobs or are preparing for employment or further education are excluded from the economically active population, which is one reason for the large gap between the perceived unemployment rate and the government-announced unemployment rate."

In particular, he emphasized, "Although the number of employed persons increased by 17,000 over the past three years, a significant number of them are underemployed," adding, "Underemployed individuals are the first to lose their jobs when the economy is in crisis, so thorough preparation is necessary now as the economy is struggling due to COVID-19."

Finally, he urged, "Turn the crisis into an opportunity and proactively respond to the new changes that post-COVID will bring, transforming Jeonnam not into a place where 'youth return,' but where 'youth can live.'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.