Jobless figure down in April

The number of registered unemployed in April stood at 6,086, which is 662 fewer than in the same month a year ago, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

In Malta, the registered unemployed amounted to 5,387 persons while in Gozo the figure was 699.

In the 12 months to April, Malta experienced a decline in unemployment, whereas Gozo witnessed a rise (-687 in Malta and 25 in Gozo).

All the age groups showed a decline in the number of registered unemployed, with the biggest drop being reported in persons aged between 20 and 24.

Among men, occupations related to elementary duties and plant and machine operations were the most commonly sought after by the unemployed, whereas women tended to seek jobs which were clerical or service-oriented.

The unemployment rates for April are not available since the data on the labour supply for this month are not yet in.