At 6,342 persons, registered unemployment in February 2008 decreased by 845 persons when compared to the same month last year, according to National Statistics Office figures released yesterday.

The source of all data contained within this release is the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC).

In February 2008, the number of registered unemployed stood at 6,342. Compared to the corresponding month a year ago, the overall number of unemployed fell by 845 persons.

In Malta, the registered unemployed amounted to 5,600 persons, whereas in Gozo the registered unemployed amounted to 742. In the twelve months to February 2008, Malta experienced a decline in unemployment, whereas Gozo has seen a rise on this count (-863 in Malta, and +18 in Gozo).

In the twelve months to February 2008, all the age groups showed a decline in the number of registered unemployed, with the biggest drop being reported in persons under 20 years of age and persons aged between 20-24. In the twelve months to February 2008, the duration of unemployment diminished across all the periods. This release also provides information on the occupations being sought by the unemployed. Among men, occupations related to elementary duties and plant and machine operations were the most common, whereas women tended to seek jobs which were clerical or service-oriented.

The unemployment rates for February 2008 are not available since the data on the labour supply for this month are not yet available.