There was a significant rise in demand for workers in the fourth quarter of 2009, the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry said Wednesday. On average, there 27,100 open positions in all sectors of the economy in the fourth quarter, compared to 24,100 in the third quarter. The 12% rise was the second in a row, but the number of daily open positions is still significantly lower than it was between 2006 and 2008.
Fewer workers were also let go in the fourth quarter, with 40,000 losing their jobs, as compared to 61,000 in the third quarter, and 76,000 in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Ministry said.