CNI: Brazilians are less afraid of unemployment.
A survey reveals that Brazilians are less afraid of losing their jobs today than they were last year; an economist from the National Confederation of Industry explained in a statement that "people's perception reflects what is happening in the labor market. Formal employment and workers' income continue to grow."
Carolina Sarres
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia – Brazilians are less afraid of losing their jobs today than they were last year. The Brazilian Society Thermometers survey, released this Friday (5) by the National Confederation of Industry, shows that the Unemployment Fear Index (IMD) was 69 points, a drop of 6,1% compared to the same period in 2012. Compared to December 2012, when the last analysis was carried out, the drop was 7,4%.
The survey also assesses Brazilians' life satisfaction. The Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) showed a decline of 0,8% compared to December of last year, reaching 104,8 points.
For this research, the CNI uses the year 2003 as a benchmark, when the indices were set at 100 points. From then on, the fear of unemployment and life satisfaction are measured according to the variation in relation to that year. The two indices in the survey are not necessarily directly related, although they indicate related trends. The research is a momentary measurement, made through direct questions.
"People's perception reflects what is happening in the labor market. Formal employment and workers' income continue to grow," said CNI economist Marcelo Azevedo in a statement.
The North and Central-West regions registered the most optimistic opinions regarding the job market, with a 15,6% reduction in the IMD (Index of Job Insecurity). Workers with higher education levels and those living in capital cities are also among the most optimistic. The age group most insecure about their jobs was young people between 16 and 24 years old, with an index of 71,8 points – 2,9 points higher than the average. According to the survey, women are less afraid of unemployment and more satisfied with life than men.
The improvement in the unemployment rate was expected by the CNI (National Confederation of Industry) since the end of last year, when they predicted that the industry's performance would be better in 2013 than in 2012, increasing job creation and the formalization of jobs.
The Brazilian Society's Thermometers survey interviewed approximately 2 people in 143 Brazilian municipalities across all states of the Federation during the first half of March.
Editing: Denise Griesinger