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Parramatta employment numbers rise because of coronavirus

The number of unemployed people across Parramatta has almost tripled because of the devastating impacts the coronavirus has had on the economy.

COVID-19 has triggered massive unemployment across the nation. Picture: Angelo Velardo
COVID-19 has triggered massive unemployment across the nation. Picture: Angelo Velardo

The number of unemployed people across Parramatta has almost tripled from 4700 to 14,000 from August 2019 to the same month this year as the coronavirus unleashes its harsh impact on the workforce.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the 9.3 per cent jump from August 2019 to August 2020 means the community is suffering the second worst unemployment rate in NSW, after Sydney’s inner south, which recorded a 14.2 per cent rise that left 15,600 people jobless.

Southwest Sydney was the third worst area hit.

The Parramatta numbers reveal there are more women out of work than men — but there were more women employed this August compared to the same month last year.

In August 2020, the unemployment rate for women was 7.55 per cent, compared with 8.99 per cent last year.

Coronavirus has not curtailed the construction industry in Parramatta. Picture: Gaye Gerard
Coronavirus has not curtailed the construction industry in Parramatta. Picture: Gaye Gerard

But for men, unemployment rose from 4.95 per cent last August compared with 6.50 per cent the same time this year.

One of the largest employers in the Parramatta area is the state government but since employees have been working from home, their absence in the Parramatta CBD has meant other businesses have suffered.

“It’s affected us immensely,’’ The Shed cafe owner Sam Georges said.

“It’s tough because the majority of the offices have nobody in them. We’re used to the streets being really full and I’d say at least we’re 60 to 70 per cent down on profits.

“We’ll get through it. Although we’re down, we’re pretty lucky to be one of the busier cafes in Parramatta.’’

Sam Georges at The Shed Cafe, Parramatta, before coronavirus struck.
Sam Georges at The Shed Cafe, Parramatta, before coronavirus struck.

Figures from Adzuna jobs search engine shows there are 926 jobs available in the Parramatta area.

Walker Corporation, which is developing the $3.2 billion Parramatta Square, is confident the CBD’s building boom can sustain more jobs.

“The scale and success of Parramatta Square has provided a major boost to the NSW economy during these challenging times, employing 4000 construction workers,’’ chief operating officer David Gallant said.

“Parramatta Square will continue to employ thousands of construction workers until the project is complete in 2022.’’

Once complete the Square will be home to almost 30,000 workers.

“While construction will continue to make a major contribution to western Sydney’s economy, Parramatta’s city centre will also go from strength to strength, and reinforce the CBD as a major job creator,’’ Mr Gallant said.

“Parramatta’s office market also continues to have the lowest vacancy rate in NSW.’’

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/parramatta-employment-numbers-rise-because-of-coronavirus/news-story/39e3d59bef789e8d88de266dff02ab64