The number of people in Montserrat of working age who are employed or actively seeking work has decreased by 5% in 12 years.
The total labour force was recorded as 2,718 in 2011 and went down to 2,574 in 2023 when the latest census took place.
The Statistics Department Montserrat released the key labour force indicators from the 2023 Population and Housing Census in a press release and infographic on 8 August.
It included detailed information on participation rate, unemployment rate and youth unemployment, as well as data on employment by major industrial and occupational groupings.
“The Statistics Department extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the census process, ensuring the reliability of data that will guide Montserrat’s future development,” the press release said.
Labour force
The housing population of 15 and over, also referred to as the working age population, stood at 3,559 in September 2023, comprising 1,779 males and 1,780 females.
Data from the 2023 census shows that Montserrat’s labour force during the reference week of 12 September, 2023, consisted of 2,574 people – 1,294 males and 1,280 females.
The labour force includes individuals aged 15 and over who are employed or those actively seeking work and available for work.
The labour force participation rate, defined as the number of people in the labour force as a percentage of the population aged 15 and over, was 72.3% – 72.7% male and 71.9% female.
Unemployment
During the week of 12 September, 2023, 185 people – 106 males and 79 females – reported being unemployed, resulting in a total unemployment rate of 7.2%.
This marks an increase compared to the 2018 Labour Force Census of 6.5% and the 2011 Population and Housing Census, also of 6.5%.
In 2023, the unemployment rate for males was 8.2% and females 6.2%.
Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate for those aged between 15 and 24 stood at 17.6%, of which 17.8% were male and 17.4% were female.
Occupation groupings
The top three major occupation groupings and industries are also presented in the Statistics Department Montserrat’s infographic and press release.
Service and sales workers ranked highest for occupation groupings comprising 21.7%, while public administration and compulsory social security led the industries at 26.9%.
The full household and individual data is now also available and the public can request detailed household, demographic, social, and economic information, the department said in its press release.
“This information is valuable to researchers, planners, businesses and organisations aiming to better understand and serve our population,” it added.
A more comprehensive report of the 2023 Population and Housing Census will be available in the coming months.
Updated findings
The Statistics Department Montserrat released preliminary key findings from the 2023 Population and Housing Census in a press release on 19 April.
In its latest press release, it revised those results “following a comprehensive review and validation process”.
The final total population is now 4,396 people (2,199 males and 2,197 females), up 10 from the preliminary count of 4,386.
The private household population is 4,265 people (2,109 males and 2,156 females) – up 10 again from the 4,255 preliminary count.
Additionally, the number of households has increased to 2,262, up six from the preliminary count of 2,256.
The department said the revised census data “highlights the dedication of our census team and active participation of our residents in providing essential information”.
Gathering data
The Population and Housing Census is conducted every ten years and was originally planned for execution in May 2021.
However, delays resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic pushed the start of data collection to September 23, 2023.
Initially set to wrap up by November 30, 2023, the process was prolonged until January 30, 2024, due to challenges involving refusals and difficulties in reaching specific households.
Field staff counted people in private and non-private dwellings, such as hospitals, elderly homes and prisons, as well as recorded information on housing stock.
The latest census achieved a 98.6%-person response rate. All data collected remains confidential and secure.
The first census on Montserrat on record was in 1678. Censuses have been conducted every 10 years since 1871, with the exception of 1931.
