Between October 2007 and September 2008, the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) removed 1858 people from the unemployment register as they were not available for and willing to work, which is a prerequisite for registration.

During this period, 1,314 persons were removed from the register for failing to attend for an interview with their employment adviser, or for refusing an ETC scheme, or for refusing an employment opportunity. People who refuse the free training offered by the Corporation are also removed from the register. 424 were removed during this period. 120 were removed since they were found working at the time they were registering for work, and thus claiming unemployment benefits.

People who are removed from the register have the opportunity to present their case to an ETC internal Board. Should ETC not find in their favour, these persons may then lodge a formal appeal with the National Employment Authority (NEA), which is an independent government body. NEA decides whether the cases of these people are justified or not.

The Employment and Training Corporation continues to need the support of the public in reducing the number of persons registering while working. During the first eight months of this year (January – August 2008) 3,188 inspections were carried out by officials of the ETC Law Compliance Unit. The public is asked to cooperate with ETC by reporting any case of irregular and illegal employment on freephone 8007 6501 or by sending an email to etc@gov.mt. Callers may opt to remain anonymous. The confidentiality of the persons filing a report is guaranteed. Persons who are found working while registering for work, and whose cases are not upheld by NEA, cannot register for work again (on Parts 1 and 2 of the unemployment register) before completing six months of continuous employment.