In June 2008, the number of registered unemployed stood at 5,861. Compared to the corresponding month a year ago, the overall number of unemployed fell by 476 persons. In Malta, the registered unemployed amounted to 5,194 persons, whereas in Gozo the registered unemployed amounted to 667. In the twelve months to June 2008, Malta experienced a decline in unemployment, whereas Gozo has seen a rise on this count (-503 in Malta and 27 in Gozo).

The overall increase in the number of registered unemployed in Gozo was the result of an increase of 37 men and a decrease of 10 women on the unemployment register. When it comes to Malta, the overall decrease in the number of registered unemployed was the result of a decrease of 480 men and 23 women on the unemployment register.

In the twelve months to June 2008, all the age groups featured showed a decline in the number of registered unemployed, with the exception of the category of persons aged 45 years and over. Both Malta and Gozo reported an increase in the number of registered unemployed aged 45 years and over.

Between June 2007 and June 2008, the persons who have been on the unemployment register for 53 weeks and over dropped by 414.

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

In February 2008, the registered unemployment rate stood at 4.2 per cent of the labour supply. On a gender basis, the unemployment rate for men stood at 4.6, whilst the unemployment rate for women stood at 3.3 per cent.

The long-term unemployment rate, referring to people who have been registering for work for more than twelve months, stood at 1.5 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 5.0 per cent.

Data for the unemployment rates for June 2008 is not yet available.