National taskforce proposed to create 11,000 jobs annually

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Five MPs have put forward a plan to roll out 11,000 new positions each year to bring down joblessness.

They’ve also called for a “Multi-Agency Bahrain Team” to tackle the problem, taking cues from the Covid-19 approach in Bahrain.

MP Khalid Buanaq, along with four other MPs, put their names to this push.

Growth

They’re keen to get government and businesses in sync, boost growth, and offer a stronger hand to people on the hunt for work.

The extra note that comes with their plan says the jobless numbers are way above what might be considered normal.

“We believe it’s time for a single group that brings together all the right agencies,” their note reads. “We’re taking a leaf from Bahrain’s Covid-19 task force, which showed that when government and private outfits work together, quick and solid results follow.”

Joblessness

The “Multi-Agency Bahrain Team,” as they call it, would rope in individuals from different government groups and private outfits to handle joblessness in a thorough way.

The big idea is to open up about 11,000 work opportunities each year so that uni leavers and others stepping into the job market can find a spot.

“Bahrain’s jobless rate is above what’s considered okay,” Buanaq said. “A clear game plan that brings everyone onto the same page is our best hope for dropping these numbers and helping our people find good work. We want to set yearly targets and make sure they happen.”

The added note with this plan points out that loads of Bahrainis are still doing it tough when it comes to finding decent work.

Unemployment

It suggests the current unemployment levels go beyond the usual ups and downs, calling for steps that fix both short-term issues and bigger concerns down the road.

The plan spells out a few moves: bringing in more dollars to jump-start new work opportunities, pushing for 95 per cent Bahraini hires in big firms where the government has a large stake, and matching that figure in public jobs.

The MPs also call for better training for locals so they’re in a good spot to catch an employer’s eye, and they want more backing for new businesses and small outfits to stir up homegrown business ideas.

Hassles

“We’re putting these measures on the table so tomorrow’s kids won’t go through the same hassles,” said Buanaq. “With steady backing for skill-building and a richer setup for people keen on starting their own business, we can overhaul Bahrain’s workforce and give our economy a sturdier base.”

In the end, the MPs say the only way to sort out joblessness is for everyone to pull together, with an eye on opening more work slots and boosting growth across the board.

They stress that the mix is the ticket to cutting unemployment and keeping Bahrain’s finances healthy.