During the first quarter of 2016, Labour Force Survey estimates indicate an increase of 2.6 per cent in employment when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2015.

Labour status

Labour Force Survey estimates indicate that, during the first quarter, total employment stood at 187,171 accounting to more than half the population aged 15 and over. Unemployed persons stood at 9,698 (2.7 per cent) while inactive persons totalled 165,761 (45.7 per cent). The activity rate was estimated at 67.7 per cent with the highest rate recorded among persons aged 25-54 (81.3 per cent).

Results show that, on average, full-timers work 41.3 hours while part-timers work 21.2 hours per week.

The average annual basic salary of employees for the first quarter of 2016 was estimated at €17,086. The highest basic salary was recorded in the information and communication sector. Average annual salaries varied from €29,279 among managers to €11,257 among persons employed in elementary occupations.

The unemployed and inactive population

The unemployment rate for the first quarter of 2016, stood at 4.9 per cent. The largest share of unemployed persons was recorded among persons aged 25 and over. Among the unemployed, 50.3 per cent stated that they had been seeking work for at least 12 months. The main reason for inactivity relates to persons reaching retirement age or taking up early retirement (39.4 per cent).

Education attainment

According to the Labour Force Survey 57.8 per cent of the 15 plus population have a low level of education. This comprises persons with less than 5 ordinary level or equivalent qualifications. Among the employed population 26.2 per cent have attained a tertiary level of education.