Figures showing that the growth in part-time work as the principal activity rose three times faster than full-time employment should be a cause for concern, the Labour Party said today.

Party employment spokesman Anglu Farrugia said this situation led to an erosion of workers' employment conditions.

Also worrying was the high number of people engaged on definite work contracts.

"Lawrence Gonzi cannot be satisfied with a situation where unemployment is rising and where jobs are actually offered, they are precarious. This is a situation which makes the workers feel insecure and unable to plan for the future. This also impacts on consumption and the economy in general," Dr Farrugia said.

Borrowing a PN phrase, he said more investment was needed for more and better jobs.