Jobs growth in the Western Region is much slower than in the rest of the country.
New figures show the number of people at work in the region grew by almost 3 per cent in the last three years, compared to a 6% rise elsewhere in the country.
The number of people at work in the region grew by just 2.8% over the three years from 2012, less than half the growth in the rest of the country.
The figure is contained in a new report from the Western Development Commission and show how many of the new jobs are classified as self-employed, demonstrating an entrepreneurial culture.
65,000 people now work for themselves, a rise of over 13 per cent, and three-quarters work alone.
The slower recovery in the region is impacting on young people in particular with the youth unemployment rate is now at 31%, compared to 20% elsewhere.
The WDC says a decline in several sectors in the west, where young people often find jobs, such as the retail and hospitality sectors, is partly to blame.
