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In the 2000s, the sales and service category in the region posted fairly sustained growth in employment; the annual average was about 2.5%, compared with 1.8% for all occupations combined. However, this growth became negative in recent years, particularly among workers without specialized skills. The recent economic downturn affected consumption, particularly discretionary spending. Also, household debt is on the rise and sales taxes are going up. In Centre-du-Québec, disposable income is among the lowest in all the province's administrative regions, and the region where it rose the least between 2005 and 2009. Disposable income, consumption and employment are not expected to rebound between now and 2013, which will limit job growth for most occupations in sales and service. In the next three years, some 400 new jobs should be created in the region, which translates to average annual growth of about 0.6%, and the need to replace retiring workers should create another 950 opportunities. A total of 1,350 openings is therefore projected between now and 2013. This is the largest number of openings in the 10 occupational categories, not including the many jobs that will become vacant as a result of high turnover and the seasonal nature of some jobs. Approximately 40% of the demand for workers will be in skilled and elemental sales occupations, 14% in occupations related to food service and accommodation, 4% in protective services, 4% in family support and child care, and nearly 40% in other sales and service occupations (personal services, cleaners, etc.)
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