Agência CNI*
Florianópolis – Employment level in the industry of the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, with three consecutive months of expansion, grew 1.5% in the accumulated result for January to March 2008. The 354 medium- and large-sized industries surveyed in the state by the Federation of Industries of the State of Santa Catarina (Fiesc) generated 3,322 new jobs in the first quarter. Of the 18 segments surveyed, only three performed more poorly during the period – other transport equipment (-13.09%), ceramic products (-0.42%) and furniture (-2.54%).
In the first quarter of 2007, the industry of the state of Santa Catarina accumulated growth of 2.09%, which translates into 4,438 new employees at the industries surveyed.
The sectors with the most significant rise in job positions in the first three months this year were electric machinery, devices and materials (+4.96%), food and beverage (+1.03%) and textiles (+2.61%). The micro-regions that posted the highest job creation rates were the Medium Valley of Itajaí, the Valley of Itapocú, and Northeast Brazil.
The growth of employment in the electric machinery, devices and materials segment was boosted by the expansion of sales by a leading company in the sector. The entry into operation of a wiring sector that had been deactivated, rising production volumes and the creation of a new line for the processing sector contributed to job generation in the textiles and basic metallurgy industries.
In the 12-month period ending in March this year, the balance between people taken on and dismissed by the companies heard by Fiesc recorded a surplus of 7,500 positions, which translates into a 3.46% growth in industrial employment. In absolute terms, the highlights were the industries of food beverage (3,814 new jobs), electric machinery, devices and materials (plus 3,034) and machinery and equipment (2,110 new workers).
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
