In the first quarter this year, Labour Force Survey estimates indicate an increase of 1.9 per cent in employment when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2011.

During the first quarter of 2012, nearly half the persons aged 15 and over were employed. Total employment during the first quarter stood at 171,270, while the number of unemployed and inactive persons stood at 11,040 (3 per cent) and 174,805 (49 per cent) respectively.

The activity rate for the 15-64 age bracket was estimated at 62 per cent. This rate increased by 3 percentage points among females and declined by 1 percentage point among males. More than 75 per cent of the surveyed population aged 25-54 were economically active during the period under review.

Out of every 100 persons aged 15-64 that were surveyed during the first quarter, 59 were employed. The highest employment rate was recorded among persons aged between 25-54, which varied from 55 per cent among females to 89 per cent among males.

The largest share of employed men (33 per cent) were 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 per cent 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 per cent), while service-oriented occupations were more common among female workers (21 per cent).

In terms of professional status, self-employed accounted for nearly 13 per cent of the total work force. Most employed persons, 147,789 or 86 per cent, 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.

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

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

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