Jobless in March decrease by 296 from February

Unemployment in March decreased by 296 when compared to the previous month, but increased by 473 when compared to March last year, NSO figures issued today show.

In March, the number of registered unemployed stood at 7,556, of whom 778 were in Gozo.

In the 12 months to March 2010, unemployment rose in the island of Malta by 477 persons as compared to a drop of four persons in Gozo, the NSO said.

Unemployment decreased marginally among youths during the year, but increased with respect to older persons. Increases in unemployment were registered among the 25-29 year old age bracket by 35 cases, the 30-44 year old age bracket by 123 cases and those aged 45 years and over by 382 cases.

Between March 2009 and March 2010, the number of persons registering for work for over one year increased by 427, or 19.4 per cent. On the other hand, those persons registering for employment for up to 20 weeks decreased by 114, or 3.4 per cent