TOKYO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan's job availability ratio declined for the first time in three years in fiscal year 2023, the government said in a report on Tuesday.
For the year through March, the job-to-applicant ratio fell 0.02 point to 1.29 from the previous year, as employers slashed job offers because soaring materials prices weighed on earnings, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said.
For March, the job availability ratio was up 0.02 point from February to 1.28, meaning there were 128 jobs available for every 100 people seeking them, data showed.
The uptick was attributed to fewer people looking for new jobs as they anticipate pay rises in their current positions, according to the ministry.
Sectors with fewer jobs openings in March included the manufacturing sector, down 10.8 percent, while the lifestyle and entertainment services sector and the education sector both fell 10.5 percent. ■
