The registered unemployed numbered 6,121 in August, a drop of 469 persons when compared to the corresponding month a year ago, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

In Malta, the registered unemployed amounted to 5,425 persons, whereas in Gozo they numbered 696.

In the 12 months to this August, Malta experienced a decline in unemployment whereas Gozo saw the number rising (-530 in Malta and 61 in Gozo).

The overall increase in the number of registered unemployed in Gozo was the result of an increase of 60 men and one woman on the unemployment register. In Malta, the overall drop in the number of registered unemployed was the result of a decrease of 342 men and 188 women on the unemployment register.

In Gozo, the biggest increase in the number of registered unemployed occurred in the segment of those persons aged 45 and over. In Malta, the same segment reported a decrease of 32 persons on the unemployment register.

In the 12 months to this August, all age groups showed a decline in the number of registered unemployed, with the exception of the category of persons aged 45 and over. Accordingly, a decrease of 142 persons occurred in the segment of those aged under 20, a drop of 215 in the segment of those aged 20-24, a decrease of 59 persons in the segment of those aged 25-29, a decrease of 66 persons in the segment of those aged 30-44 and an increase of 13 persons in the segment of those aged 45 and over.

In April this year, the registered unemployment rate stood at 4.1 per cent.