More workers hired in Metro Manila

By Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star) Updated November 01, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - More commercial establishments in Metro Manila are hiring workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday.                                                                                 

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the employment rate in large enterprises in Metro Manila grew 2.86 percent in the second quarter of the year from -0.88 percent in the first quarter.                                                                                  

DOLE surveyed 600 firms in Metro Manila to determine the growth rate of employment. The quarterly survey showed that hiring in Metro Manila rose 13.52 percent in the second quarter from 10.23 percent in the first quarter of the year.

The highest hiring rate in the second quarter was recorded in real estate, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, hotels, and restaurants.                                                                                      

The increase in hiring was caused by the replacement of separated workers as well as expansion of business activities. The survey also showed that terminations were lower in the second quarter, mostly in the construction sector. It also showed that most of the separations in the period were employee-initiated.