Full-time employment has increased by more than eight per cent in 10 years, even if the manufacturing sector saw a 26 per cent drop, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

The figure of those in full-time employment has reached 149,297, a total of 11,295 more than 2002.

The economic activities which recorded the highest increases in employment were the wholesale and retail sectors, the repair of motor vehicles and administrative and support service activities.

However, full-time employment in the manufacturing sector fell by 7,039 people.

Private sector employment in 2011 increased by 18,177 persons or 20.2 per cent, while public sector employment decreased by 6,882 persons, when compared to 2002.

Female employment rose by 10,830 persons over a decade, with the highest increase recorded in the health and social work sectors.

Part-time employment increased by 20,862 persons over a 10-year period.

People whose part-time job was their secondary occupation, increased by 56.7 per cent, while the number of persons whose part-time job was their primary occupation went up by 74.3 per cent.