Bermuda suffered a year-over-year loss of more than 1,100 jobs through August last year, according to the latest Government employment figures.

The Department of Statistics 2014 edition of the Bermuda Job Market Employment Briefs Employment figures, released yesterday, showed “the terrible, ongoing impact on Bermudians, of deep-seated recessionary pressures that began as far back as 2009”, according to Premier Craig Cannonier.

The numbers, which reflected research conducted during one week in August 2013, showed an ongoing — though slowing — decline in the job market as well as a contraction in the number of businesses.

The main findings of the survey included the loss of 1,166 jobs over the 2012 statistics. It stated: “There were 34,277 jobs counted in 2013, compared to 35,443 in 2012.”

The report also included the economic news that fewer Bermudians — 628 — lost jobs in 2013 than during the 2012 period, accounting for 54 percent of the total job losses.

“Non-Bermudians lost 494 jobs, while the remainder of the total job losses was shared by non-Bermudian spouses: 36 and permanent residents: eight,” the statement added.

The number of filled jobs in the international business activity sector declined from 3,878 in 2012 to 3,768 in 2013, down 110 jobs, or three percent.

Employment in the construction industry slipped five percent, a loss of 121 filled jobs between 2012 and 2013.

The business services and education, health and social work sectors lost 179 jobs and 150 jobs respectively in 2013.

The job market lost more females — 666 in 2013, than male workers, 500.

The decline of jobs for the age group 25 to 39 years was the highest at 667 fewer workers.

Overall the number of business entities in the Bermuda job market contracted from 4,391 in 2012 to 4,130 in 2013.

The Premier, who is the minister responsible for the Department of Statistics said that the 2013 Employment Survey findings are based on a survey conducted in the last week of August 2013. “As a result, it cannot represent a complete picture for the calendar year of 2013, nor can it reflect trends and developments in the economy today. What it does show is the terrible, ongoing impact on Bermudians, of deep-seated recessionary pressures that began as far back as 2009.

“Stopping the momentum behind the job losses was the Government’s number one objective in our first year and we believe we have made progress on that critical goal through policies and actions to grow the economy.”

Mr Cannonier added: “The signs of a turnaround are growing. Over the calendar year, we’ve seen the highest number of company incorporations, both local and international since 2008. We’ve seen the first year-over-year increase in retail sales volume in six years, which is a very promising indicator that consumer spending is on the rise, fuelled in part by a moderate rise in income among job holders. We’ve also seen positive steps taken toward the development of job-creating projects such as Pink Beach, Coral Beach, Ariel Sands, Morgan’s Point, Sonesta and the Hamilton Princess.

“The thrust of these and other developments in the economy should have a positive impact on the job situation, whether it be in the retention of jobs or the creation of new jobs, because businesses are starting to do better. We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’re getting there.”

Finance Minister Bob Richards said: “What we have in short, is an economy that is in transition and turning the corner. As Minister of Finance, the Government will continue to do what is necessary to strengthen conditions that will get Bermudians back to work and to end the recession that has hurt so many.”

Complimentary copies of Employment Briefs are available at the Department of Statistics on the third floor of the Cedar Park Centre Building, 48 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton. Electronic copies can be downloaded from the Department of Statistics website at www.statistics.gov.bm. A set of detailed tabulations is also available.