In the twelve months to February, the full-time gainfully-occupied population decreased by 1,286, or 0.9 per cent. On the other hand, the number of persons in full-time employment in February increased by 246, or 0.2 per cent, when compared to the previous month.

In February, the full-time gainfully-occupied population amounted to 143,768, while the registered unemployed amounted to 7,852. Accordingly, the labour supply stood at 151,620.

Analysis by economic sector

Year-on-year, persons employed on a full-time basis declined both within the private and public sectors. In fact, the private sector dropped by 1,146, or 1.1 per cent. The public sector dropped by 140, or 0.3 per cent. On a monthly basis, however, private sector employment increased by 308, or 0.3 per cent, while the public sector declined by 62, or 0.2 per cent.

In the twelve months to February, the main decline in the public sector took place in manufacturing (NACE 15-37) and electricity, gas and water supply (NACE 40-41). Within the private sector, the main decline occurred in manufacturing (NACE 15-37), hotels and restaurants (NACE 55) and construction (NACE 45).

Self-employment

Between February 2009 and February 2010, the number of persons in full-time self-employment went up by 99, to 17,385. The main increases in self-employment were registered in real estate, renting and business activities (NACE 70-74) and other community, social and personal service activities (NACE 90-93). On the other hand, the main decrease in the self-employed occurred in the construction sector (NACE 45).

Regions

Year-on-year, full-time employment declined in both Malta and Gozo. Accordingly, the number of persons employed on a full-time basis in mainland Malta fell by 1,219, or 0.9 per cent, while the number of Gozitan full-timers dropped by 67, or 0.7 per cent.

Part-time Employment

When compared to February 2009, total part-time employment rose by 2,246, or 4.8 per cent. Part-timers who also held a full-time job increased by 878, or 4.2 per cent, while persons with a part- time job as their primary occupation advanced by 1,368, or 5.2 per cent.

The main increase in the latter category was recorded in real estate, renting and business activities (NACE 70-74), and hotels and restaurants (NACE 55). Similar patterns were recorded with regard to persons whose part-time work was their secondary occupation.

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