By Alesha Capone
Wyndham recorded the third-highest number of unemployed residents across the state in March with 11,894 people out of work, according to the National Skills Commission.
This equalled to an unemployment rate of 8.3 per cent for the municipality.
In comparison, in March 2020, Wyndham had 8614 unemployed residents (a 5.9 per cent unemployment rate).
The commission data shows that in March this year, Hume recorded the most unemployed residents in Victoria, with 15,178 people out of work.
Casey, in the south-eastern suburbs, placed second on the list with 15,561 unemployed residents.
Werribee had the highest number of unemployed residents in Wyndham as of March, with 2424 people out of work.
Point Cook recorded 1940 job seekers, Tarneit 1718, Wyndham Vale 1703, Truganina 1214 and Hoppers Crossing 1034.
Werribee South had 760 unemployed residents and Laverton 544.
A federal government report from last year found that the number of users registered with Jobactive – a government-funded network of organisations that delivers employment services to those in receipt of Centrelink payments – rose from 5833 people in March, 2020, to 19,408 in September, 2020.
Earlier this year, Wyndham council and local employment organisations launched a program to help job seekers.
Opportunity Wyndham, which is supported by the state government, provides businesses with tools and resources and access to recruitment services and local people seeking jobs.
The program also offers training for job seekers.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said the council was calling on local businesses to join Opportunity Wyndham “to create local jobs for local people”.
Wyndham’s welcoming city portfolio holder, Cr Jennie Barrera, said the program aimed to help with the economic recovery from COVID-19.
“Access to local jobs and work placements is an important element of being connected to community, with Opportunity Wyndham being free for all Wyndham businesses, we know this program will have multiple benefits to not only employers but also the community,” she said.
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/news/opportunity-wyndham
