Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy on Tuesday shared that 457 new job vacancies were created amidst the second wave of COVID-19 in Brunei.
Speaking during a press conference, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew explained that the 457 vacancies were recorded between 7th until 31st August where, 344 of this number were direct hire positions while the remaining 113 were iReady positions.
He added that out of the 344 direct hire jobs, about a 100 vacancies have been filled since the second wave of the pandemic began on 7th August, leaving about 200 vacancies that have yet to be filled.
Meanwhile, out of the 113 iReady positions, 36 have already been filled leaving a balance of more than 70 vacancies.
YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew added that following a survey, the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) recorded about 2,800 job vacancies since the beginning of this year.
The subject of employment and business sustainability has become a hot topic throughout the second wave of COVID-19 hitting Brunei, with reports of businesses having laid off employees or putting them on temporary unpaid leave.
“We try to advise businesses continue to operate amidst the restrictions and we try to encourage them to not sack their people,” said the minister.
He added that it is important for businesses to look beyond this specific period of time, stating that businesses can look forward to a surge when “things get back to normal” as observed from other countries who have experienced the same.
“What is important is for us to overcome this (COVID-19) as quickly as possible… When our situation is at a reasonable level where we all can feel safe, businesses will come back naturally,” he added.
The minister went on to advise businesses to use this down time to prepare in anticipation of the future.
He told businesses to use this time, to upskill or reskill their employees and as for businesses who are looking to hire: “I know we are experiencing restrictions, but you can start the recruitment process now, job interviews can be done online”.
Members of the public who are interested in the vacancies mentioned by YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew can register and apply via JobCentre.
For more information you can visit the JobCentre website at www.jobcentrebrunei.gov.bn, email them at jobcentrebrunei@jpm.gov.bn or call them at 8239933 | 7291785.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
