Jobs figures up sharply in February

Labour market data for February 2008 indicate

The full-time gainfully occupied population increased by 3,039 in February while unemployment decreased by 845 when compared to February 2007, the NSO said today.

It said the labour supply increased by 2,194 persons over the same month in 2007 to 149,765 persons. Of these, the full-time gainfully occupied population amounted to 143,423 persons, whilst the registered unemployed amounted to 6,342 persons.

In the 12 months to February 2008, the economic activities which registered the main growth in full-time employment were real estate, renting and business activities; community, social and personal service activities and health and social work activities.

On the downside, the number of gainfully occupied persons fell in manufacturing and electricity, gas and water supply sectors. Manufacturing shed 945 persons.

On a year-on-year basis, the number of self-employed persons increased by 201 to reach 16,828

persons. Their main economic activity was wholesale and retail and construction.

Part-time employment rose by 2,664. Among part-timers who also hold a full-time job, there was an increase of 947 persons. Those having a part-time job as their primary occupation went up by 1,717 persons