Jobs rose by two per cent in the July to September period last year when compared to the same period in 2010.

The number of employed people was estimated at 170,466, or nearly half the population aged 15 and over, according to figures from the National Statistics Office based on Labour Force Survey criteria.

The employment rate was estimated at 58 per cent – an increase of over one percentage point over 2010. The highest employment rates were recorded among those aged between 25 and 54.

Three per cent of the population over 15 were classified as unemployed. Another 49 per cent were inactive.

The highest employment rates were recorded among those aged between 25 and 54

The unemployment rate for the period was estimated at 6.2 per cent – 5.9 per cent for males and 6.7 per cent for females. The largest share of unemployed persons fell within the 15-24 age bracket.

Nearly 20 per cent of the employed population were engaged in service-oriented jobs, which includes occupations such as hairdressers, waiters and salespersons. Service-oriented occupations were predominant among female workers while men were mostly engaged in craft-related jobs.

Eighty-seven per cent of the total work force were classified as employees, with 86 per cent of these working full-time and 14 per cent engaged in part-time jobs or in a full-time job with re-duced hours.

During the period under review, the average gross annual salary of employees was estimated at €15,036. This amount refers to the basic salary and excludes extra payments such as overtime, bonuses and allowances.

The highest average gross annual salary for employees was recorded in financial, real estate, renting and business activities. The highest average salary by main occupation was for legislators, senior officials and managerial occupations.