Unemployment fell by 308 and employment rose by 2,578 - 2,100 women and 478 men - between October 2007 and 2008.

Official figures show that labour supply rose by 2,270 to 151,729, of which 145,378 were employed and 6,351 unemployed. And, although employment in the public sector fell by 1,022, employment in the private sector rose by 3,600.

Statistics show that a significant growth in employment was recorded in real estate, renting and business activities, community, social and personal services, wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods.

However, a significant reduction in employment was recorded in the areas of manufacturing, electricity, gas and water supply.

Meanwhile, self-employment rose by 234 to 17,153, with these mostly working in wholesale and retail trade and construction.

Similarly, part-time employment rose by 2,309, of which 709 also had a full-time job.

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