GozoNews.Com

In October 2007, the number of registered unemployed stood at 6,659. Compared to the corresponding month a year ago, the overall number of unemployed fell by 512 persons.

In Malta, the registered unemployed amounted to 5,986 persons, whereas in Gozo the registered unemployed amounted to 673. In the twelve months to October 2007, both islands experienced a decline in unemployment, down by 500 in Malta and down by 12 in Gozo.

In the twelve months to October 2007, all the age groups showed a decline in the number of registered unemployed with the exception of those aged 45 years and over. An increase of 108 persons was reported among the registered unemployed aged 45 years and over.

Among men, occupations related to elementary duties and plant and machine operations were the most commonly sought, whereas women tended to seek jobs which were clerical or service-oriented.

Turning to June 2007, the registered unemployment rate stood at 4.3 per cent of the labour supply. On a gender basis, the unemployment rate for men stood at 4.9, whilst the unemployment rate for women stood at 3.1 per cent.

The long-term unemployment rate, referring to people who have been registering for work for more than twelve months, stood at 1.7 per cent.

The unemployment rate among older workers, 45 years of age and over, was 3.8 per cent while the unemployment rate among young people, under 25 years of age, stood at 5.4 per cent.