Unemployment in April was 7,210 compared to 7,083 the previous month.

The full-time gainfully occupied population was practically unchanged, the labour supply having increased by 1,106 over the corresponding month in 2008.

Most of the increase in unemployment was in the manufacturing sector.

Increases in full-time jobs were recorded in the wholesale and retail trade, transport, storage and communication health and social work and in real estate, renting and business activities.

Year on year, the number of women employed on a full-time basis went up by 1,056 while their male counterparts dropped by 1,074.

In the 12 months to April 2009, the private sector increased its employment levels by 1,338 persons. On the other hand, the number of employees in the public sector decreased by 1,356, the majority of this decline being in the shipyard.

Total part-time employment rose by 2,443 when compared to April 2008. This increase comprised 1,124 persons with a part-time job as their secondary occupation and 1,319 persons with a part-time activity as their primary job.

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