The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) today, Monday 11th August appeals to the Government to address the alarming unemployment crisis revealed by the ILO Labor Report and the Solomon Islands Government’s 2020 Population Census (2019 data).

The findings expose an economy failing to create sufficient jobs, with youth bearing the heaviest burden.

Critical Findings:

• Total Unemployment: 7.9% (23,000+ Solomon Islanders)—nearly double the natural rate of 4%.
• Youth Unemployment (Under 24): 14–16% (1 in 6 young people jobless).
• Labor Force Participation: Only 55.4% of working-age adults (546,000) are engaged primarily in urban centres.
• Sector Imbalance: Over 50% of jobs rely on services while agriculture (27%) declines.
• Economic Stagnation: GDP growth below 3% compounds the crisis.

SICTU National Secretary Adrian Tuhanuku warns these figures likely understate reality, as ILO methodology excludes underemployed and discouraged workers. The data confirms an economy unable to absorb new entrants, risking long-term damage to youth prospects and national stability.

SICTU’s national secretary call for action demanding the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury immediately:

1. Publicly outline steps to address the ILO’s findings;
2. Prioritize job creation in agriculture, fisheries, and sustainable industries to diversify from services;
3. Boost private sector growth through incentives for local hiring and training;
4. Improve labor data accuracy to reflect underemployment and hidden joblessness;
5. Launch a Youth Employment Emergency Plan targeting the 14–16% unemployment rate.

“The data is clear: Solomon Islands faces a jobs emergency,” said SICTU National secretary Tuhanuku.

“With 23,000 citizens officially unemployed and youth prospects collapsing, the government must move beyond diagnosis to delivery. We need policies that create real jobs and not more guesswork.

The time for solutions is now. SICTU affiliate in public and private sector stands ready to collaborate with the Government through tripartite cooperation through SICTU, SICCI and Government to build an economy that works for all Solomon Islanders.