The number of temporary employees in South Korea fell to 4.62 million in October 2020, down 5.3% when compared to the same period last year, according to data published from Statistics Korea.

The 5.3% decrease was an improvement over September’s 6.2% annual decline.

When compared to the previous month, the number of temporary employees in South Korea increased by 1.5% in September 2020.

Statistics Korea also published labour market figures for October. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in October, up 0.7% year-on-year. This was slightly higher than the previous month’s 3.6% unemployment rate.

The number of unemployed persons totalled 1.02 million people in October, which increased by 164,000 persons or 19.0% year-on-year.

At the same time, the number of employed persons totalled 27.08 million persons in October, which declined by 421,000 persons or 1.5% year-on-year.

Among sectors, construction saw an increase of 1.8% while on the other hand Wholesale & retail trade, accommodation & food saw the biggest decline at 7.0%.

The employment to population ratio recorded 60.4% in October, down 1.3% year-on-year.

At the same time South Korea’s economically active population stood at 28.16 million in October, which decreased by 257,000 persons or 0.9% year-on-year.

The labour force participation rate stood at 62.7% in October, down 0.9% year-on-year.