Job losses from floods not too severe

The number of workers still laid off because of the worst inundation in decades is estimated at about 60,000, much lower than expected, said Arthit Issamo, director-general of the Labour Protection and Welfare Department.

About 25,000 of them face no prospects of returning to their old jobs, while the remaining 30,000-40,000 still do not know whether their dismissals will be made permanent, he said.

The employment outlook for this year starts with post-flood rehabilitation. Among the 990,000 flood-affected workers, more than 600,000 have been re-employed, while 240,000 have joined a government scheme that pays them a monthly allowance of Bt2,000.

The exact jobless figure is expected to be known after the New Year holidays.

In case more workers are laid off, the three-month state-funded scheme, which began in November and ends this month, could be extended.

The scheme was launched with a budget of Bt1.8 billion from the Labour Ministry, of which Bt600 million has been dispensed through the Government Savings Bank.

The budget is not expected to be used up, as some businesses have recovered sooner than expected.

Workers who are uncertain about their employment status should contact provincial labour protection and welfare officials for assistance, Arthit said.