Despite the deterioration of the health situation and the new constraints that accompany it (partial confinement and curfew put in place at the end of July), the Reunion economy once again demonstrated resilience in the 3rd quarter of 2021, according to the INSEE economic note. Salaried employment continued to grow, with 3,300 additional jobs compared to the 2nd quarter (+1,2%). This increase is similar to that of the previous three quarters. From the end of 2019 to the end of September 2021, 13,000 salaried jobs were created in Reunion (+4,9%, a rate five times higher than at the national level). Employment growth is driven by the dynamism of the public sector (+1,6%), supported by subsidized contracts. In the private sector, employment increases less (+1%). The volume of paid working hours reflects the dynamism of employment : in October, it is above its October 2019 level. Salaried employment is growing above all thanks to non-market services, whether in teaching, public administration, health or social action (+1,700 jobs). It also increases in commerce (+ 500) and in household services, mainly carried by associations (+ 500). In accommodation and catering, employment is resilient thanks to the partial activity system which helps cushion the effects of the health crisis. Employment is also maintained in the transport sector. However, tourist activity continues to suffer from the health crisis : attendance in hotels and other collective accommodation drops by 25% compared to the 3rd quarter of 2019. The unemployment rate has fluctuated between 17 and 18% since the 4th quarter of 2020, at a level much lower than its 2018 value (24 %). Building authorizations and housing starts also increased in the 3rd quarter of 2021, notes INSEE, while business creations have stabilized at a high level.
ECONOMY STILL WELL ORIENTED IN THE 3RD QUARTER 2021
