Decrease registered in number of unemployed and inactive persons

During the first quarter of 2012, nearly half the persons surveyed aged 15 and over were employed, according to the NSO Labour Force Survey.

Total employment during the first quarter stood at 171,270, while the number of unemployed and inactive persons stood at 11,040 (3%) and 174,805 (49%) respectively.

The activity rate for the 15 to 64 age bracket was estimated at 62%. This rate increased by 3 percentage points among females and declined by 1 percentage point among males.

More than 75% of the surveyed population aged 25 to 54 years were economically active during the period under review.

The unemployment rate recorded for the first quarter this year declined marginally when compared to 2011 levels, to 6.1%.

The unemployment rate for males stood at 6% and that for females was recorded at 7%. Unemployment was higher among persons aged below 25 by over 8 percentage points, when compared to the older counterparts. Within the unemployed population, 51% stated that they had been seeking work for at least 12 months.

Out of every 100 persons aged 15 to 64 years surveyed during the first quarter of 2012, 59 were employed.

The highest employment rate was recorded among persons aged between 25 to 54 years, which varied from 55% among females to 89% among males.

The largest share of employed men (33%) was engaged in wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and household goods, hotels and restaurants and transport and communication.

On the other hand, nearly half the female employed population worked in other service activities, which include jobs in the Public sector, Education, the Health sector, and Other Community, Social and Personal service activities.

Nearly 18% of the employed population worked in service-oriented jobs. This category includes occupations such as hairdressers, waiters and salespersons. Craft-related jobs were predominant among men (16%), while service-oriented occupations were more common among female workers (21%).

In terms of professional status, self-employed accounted for nearly 13% of the total workforce. Most employed persons, 147,789 or 86%, worked on a full-time basis despite increases in part-time employment.

During the period under review, the average gross annual salary of employees was estimated at €15,620. This amount refers to the basic salary and excludes extra payments such as overtime, bonuses and allowances, as explained in the methodological notes.

The highest average gross annual salary for employees was recorded in financial, real estate, renting and business activities.

Results of the Labour Force Survey also revealed that Legislators, Senior Officials and Managerial grades had an average annual salary of €26,369.