Eased restrictions to generate 108,000 jobs

Some 108,000 workers would be able to work full-time if the economic restrictions would be eased further, according to an official of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).

Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay said 108,000 employees were under flexible work arrangements or were affected by the temporary closure of establishments.

“If we further reopen the economy, these 108,000 would be able to work five or six days a week, and those under temporary closure would be able to return,” Tutay said at an online briefing.

She also said 25,226 workers from 1,421 establishments completely lost their jobs in January. The Dole estimates that about 2.5 million workers were affected by the temporary closure, she said. —Leila B. Salaverria