12 February 2008 Rating 64% No Comment  

In September 2007, the labour supply increased by 1,642 persons over the same month in 2006. The full-time gainfully occupied population increased by 2,197 persons, whereas the registered unemployed decreased by 555 persons. The labour supply amounted to 149,050 persons. Of these, the full-time gainfully occupied population amounted to 142,421 persons, whilst the registered unemployed amounted to 6,629 persons. In the twelve-months to September 2007, the economic activities which registered the main growth in full-time employment were real estate, renting and business activities (NACE 70-74) and other community, social and personal service activities (NACE 90-93). Accordingly, the sector of real estate, renting and business activities (NACE 70-74) increased 1,477 persons on its books. Among other activities, this sector includes accounting and auditing, security services and call centres. On its part, the sector of other community, social and personal service activities (NACE 90-93) reported an increase of 531 persons. Besides other activities, this sector includes betting companies. A comparison of the figures of September 2006 and September 2007 indicates an expansion in the activities of hotels and restaurants (NACE 55), health and social work activities (NACE 85), and retail and wholesale trade (NACE 50-52) as well. In fact, hotels and restaurants registered an increase of 447 persons, health and social work activities registered an increase of 381 persons, and retail and wholesale trade registered an increase of 272 persons. On the downside, the number of the gainfully occupied persons fell in manufacturing (NACE 15- 37), transport, storage and communication (NACE 60-64) and electricity, gas and water supply (NACE 40-41). In fact, manufacturing dropped 827 persons, transport, storage and communication dropped 219 persons, and electricity, gas and water supply dropped 136 persons. Regional aspects In September 2007, the full-time gainfully occupied persons increased by 2,036 persons in Malta as well as by 161 persons in Gozo. A regional comparison indicates that the number of full-time gainfully persons in hotels and restaurants (NACE 55) increased both in Malta and Gozo. On the other hand, when it comes to manufacturing (NACE 15-37), the number of full-time gainfully persons increased in Gozo, whereas in Malta it is on the decline. Part-time employment On a year-on-year basis, part-time employment rose by 3,493. Among part-timers who also hold a full-time job, there was an increase of 1,507 persons. Also those having a part-time job as their primary occupation went up by 1,986 persons.