At 6,351 persons, registered unemployment in October 2008 decreased by 308 persons when compared to the same month last year. However, compared to September 2008 unemployment rose by 255 persons.

In Malta, the registered unemployed amounted to 5,663 persons, whereas in Gozo these amounted to 688. In the twelve months to October 2008, Malta experienced a decline in unemployment, whereas Gozo has seen a rise (-323 in Malta and 15 in Gozo).

In the twelve months to October 2008, all the age groups showed a decline in the number of registered unemployed, with the exception of the category of persons aged 45 and over. Accordingly, a decrease of 390 persons was recorded in the labour market segments of those aged under 44 whereas an increase of 82 persons occurred in the segment of those aged 45 and over.

Between October 2007 and October 2008, persons who have been registering for work for 53 weeks and over decreased by 247.

This release also provides information on the occupations being sought by the unemployed persons. Among men, occupations related to elementary duties and tradeswork were the most common, whereas women tended to seek jobs which were clerical or service-oriented.

The unemployment rates for October 2008 are not included as the administrative data on the labour supply for this month is not yet available.

Registered Unemployment Rate: June 2008

In June 2008, the registered unemployment rate stood at 3.9 per cent of the labour supply. On a gender basis, the unemployment rate for men stood at 4.4, while the unemployment rate for women stood at 2.8 per cent.

The long-term unemployment rate, referring to people who have been registering for work for more than twelve months, stood at 1.4 per cent.

The unemployment rate among older workers (45 and over) was 3.8 per cent while the unemployment rate among young people (under 25) stood at 3.9 per cent.

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