Labour Force Survey estimates for the first quarter this year indicate an increase of 1.9 per cent in employment when compared to the corresponding quarter last year, the National Statistics Office said.

It said that in this first quarter, nearly half the over 15 and over were employed. Total employment stood at 171,270, while the number of unemployed and inactive stood at 11,040 (three per cent) and 174,805 (49 per cent), respectively.

The activity rate for the 15-64 age bracket was estimated at 62 per cent. This rate increased by three percentage points among females and declined by one per cent among males. More than 75 per cent of the surveyed population aged 25-54 were economically active during the period.

The unemployment rate recorded for the first quarter this year declined marginally when compared to 2011 levels, to 6.1 per cent.

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