Employment figures show strong growth

The full-time gainfully occupied population increased by 3,096 persons in November while unemployment decreased by 710 when compared to November 2006, according to official figures released today.

The NSO said the labour supply amounted to 149,822 persons. Of these, the full-time gainfully occupied amounted to 143,199 persons, whilst the registered unemployed amounted to 6,623.

In the 12 months to November 2007, the economic activities which registered the main growth in full-time employment were real estate, renting and business activities, hotels and restaurants and ‘other community, social and personal service activities'.

Manufacturing industry, however, shed 856 persons, whilst the sector of electricity, gas and water supply dropped 137 persons.

On a year-on-year basis, part-time employment rose by 3,621. Among part-timers who also hold

a full-time job, there was an increase of 1,610 persons. Also those having a part-time job as their primary occupation went up by 2,011 persons.