For the fourth quarter of 2007, the Labour Force Survey showed that there was a statistically significant change in average employment. Unemployment levels were at the same level in a statistically significant manner when compared to the same period in 2006.

The Labour Force Survey is an enquiry which is carried out using a random sample of 3,200 private households per quarter. The criteria used for this survey are on the same lines as international methodologies used by ILO as further explained in the methodological notes. All data contained within this release refers to persons 15 years and over.

Labour Status: For the fourth quarter 2007, the Labour Force Survey showed that there was a statistically significant change in average employment, where the total employed reached 155,868 persons. The rise in employment was reflected in the female participation to employment. The level of unemployment remain unchanged, to a total of 10,291 persons, compared to the same period in 2006. The total inactive reached 162,573 persons or 49.5 per cent of all persons aged 15 years and over.

The activity rate stood at 59.4 per cent. The activity rate for males was 77.9 per cent whilst that of females stood at 40.5 per cent, leaving an activity gender gap of 37.4 per cent. For the fourth quarter 2007, the employment rate was estimated at 55.7 per cent.

The Employed Population: Labour Force Survey results indicate that, the majority of employed persons were between 25 and 34 years.

The majority or 16.3 per cent worked as service workers and shop assistants, whilst a further 14.6 per cent worked as technicians and associate professionals. Amongst employed males, the most common occupations were amongst trade-related occupations whilst the majority of females were estimated to be working as service workers and shop assistants.

The rise in employment was reflected in a statistically significant increase in the number of employees. The average gross annual salary of employees was estimated at Lm5,616 per annum, equivalent to 13,085 Euro.

For the fourth quarter 2007, the number of full timers amounted to 138,520 persons. Of these, 71.8 per cent were males and 28.2 per cent were females. A further 9.4 per cent or 14,694 were engaged in part time employment. Of all persons working part time jobs 27.3 per cent were males and 72.7 per cent were females.

The Unemployed Population: For the last three months of 2007, the total number of unemployed persons was estimated to be 10,291 persons, which indicates no significant changes during the survey period when compared to 2006 estimates. Out of every 100 persons in the labour force, 6.2 were unemployed. The male unemployment rate stood at 5.8 per cent, whilst the rate for females was 7 per cent.

Among the total number of unemployed in October to December 2007, 47.3 per cent had been looking for a job for less than 6 months, whilst a further 43.1 per cent had been looking for a job for more than a year ..

Permalink: Labour Market Labour Force Survey for October-December