In the fourth quarter last year, turnover in selected services activities increased by 2.8 per cent, while employment declined by 1.2 per cent, compared to the corresponding period in 2009.

In the fourth quarter last year, turnover in the services sector stood at 110.8 points, up by 2.8 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2009. During this period, Wholesale trade advanced by 2.3 per cent. Furthermore, increases were registered in Retail trade (+2.9 per cent) and in Transportation and storage (+7.8 per cent). Conversely, Professional, scientific and technical activities declined by 1.7 per cent.

The fourth quarter of 2010 showed that employment in services decreased by 1.2 per cent to 96.5 points. Declines were recorded in Accommodation and food services activities (-1.8 per cent) and in Retail trade (-2.7 per cent). Employment growth was registered in Wholesale trade and Professional, scientific and technical activities of 1.2 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively.

During this period, gross wages and salaries went up by 4.2 per cent. Increases were registered in Transportation and storage (+3.7 per cent), Accommodation and food services activities (+5.0 per cent), and Wholesale trade (+4.3 per cent). On the other hand, Retail trade and Motor trade declined by 1.1 and 1.5 per cent respectively.

Hours worked in the services sector decreased by 1.2 per cent in the fourth quarter last year when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2009. Decreases were registered in Wholesale trade (-1.7 per cent) and Retail trade (-3.3 per cent). In contrast, hours worked in Accommodation and food services activities and in Professional, scientific and technical activities grew by 2.2 and 7.3 per cent respectively.

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