The Cook Islands implemented its first stand-alone Labour Force Survey (LFS) in 2019. The Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Mac Mokoroa, hosted a special event to launch the Report, containing the results of the Labour Force Survey.
He opened the launch by acknowledging the substantial support received by our regional partners, Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), at the technical, training and financial level. He also acknowledged the excellent collaboration between the Cook Islands Statistics Office (CISO) of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) and the Labour and Consumer Services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF).
He lastly thanked the social partners of the National Labour Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce and Cook Islands Workers Association for their support and participation in this project. He concluded by stating “We are looking forward to build on this support and increase our collective capacity to continue collecting valuable labour data that will inform all our future policy decisions and build a more Decent and Fair World of Work for all in the Cook Islands. ”
The Report offers a wealth of information on the national employment situation as captured just prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, it provides data on the labour force, employment, unemployment and other components of labour underutilization, including time-related underemployment and potential labour force. The data have been processed in line with the international standards concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization.
The 2019 LFS report analyses information and key characteristics of the country’s employment-related statistics, with the aim to picture a comprehensive Cook Islands labour market and socio-economic circumstances. The report also aims to inform policymakers on the interests of the working-age population and human development to achieve the national sustainable development plan and strategy. In light of COVID-19, the 2019 LFS results can serve as important baseline data to inform policy-making in the post-COVID-19 socio-economic recovery and promote productive employment.
The LFS 2019 is complementary to the Population Census and Household Income and Expenditure survey. All three surveys together provide important national data on the Cook Islands’ social and economic development. Meanwhile, the country needs evidence to allow both the public and private sectors to advance their policy and decision-making and directing resources to where they are needed most.
To access the report, go to click the link below
Meitaki maata.
