Working Paper Series: Special Edition of 2016 to 2018 Interns

Employment for the Future: An Analysis of Saint Lucia’s Labour Market -Trends and Prospects

Ms Nalisa A Marieatte University of the West Indies Mona Campus

Abstract:

This paper examines the existing state of Saint Lucia’s labour market. The paper aims to provide insight into the high persistent unemployment situation through a descriptive analysis informed by the labour market statistics compiled by the Central Statistics Office. It also aims to identify prospective growth and employment creation sectors over the medium to long term. The analysis reveals that women, youth aged 15- 29 and low skilled individuals have been the most adversely impacted by high and persistent unemployment since the most recent global crisis. The data also suggests a structural shift in the economy, showing that there exists a mismatch between the skills demanded by the labour market vis-à-vis the skills supplied. Government intervention in the economy albeit costly, has not been sufficient in dampening the situation and it is shown that sustainable government job creation is impractical. The paper argues that central government’s role therefore, is to facilitate the environment for growth in key growth sectors, namely tourism, agriculture, health, information technology and the creative sectors.

JEL Code : J08, J24, J43

Keywords: Employment, Labour Market

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