Tema, Jan. 17, GNA - The Tema Labour Department (TLD) recorded a reduction in employment rate within the Municipality last year compared to 2004.

Madam Esther Wellington, Municipal Labour Officer disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in an interview on Tuesday. A report released by the Department indicated that 185 employments were recorded in 2005 as compared to 415 in 2004.

It said while 122 women were employed in 2004, only 25 women were employed last year as compared to 293 men in 2004 and 160 men last year.

Madam Wellington appealed to employers especially the newly established companies to cater for the health needs of their employees such as the medical bills when they get injured at their workplace. She explained that the Workman's Compensation Law of 1987 required employers to report industrial accidents to the Factory Inspectorate that would inform the Department on the course of action to be taken. Madam Wellington gave the assurance that, the department would intensify its labour inspections in companies this year to detect and correct lapses that occurred during last year.

She therefore; called on employers on cooperate with the Labour Department during the inspection.