The number of permits issued for new dwellings fell by 25.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year when compared to the same period in 2012, National Statistics Office figures show.

Permits for one-dwelling residences, like houses, decreased by 6.9 per cent while those for two and more dwelling units, such as apartments, went down by 30.2 per cent.

The figures show employment in the construction industry shrunk by five per cent in the last three months of 2013. This was due to fewer jobs in civil engineering, specialised construction activities and in the construction of buildings, which fell by 22, 3.8 and 2.8 per cent, respectively.

Hours worked also decreased by 6.3 per cent, the largest decline, 19.2 per cent, in civil engineering.

Wages and salaries went down by 4.4 per cent overall.

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