The number of registered unemployed in March stood at 7,033, down by 660 when compared to March 2006, the National Statistics Office said.

From a regional perspective, the number of people registered unemployed in Gozo went up by 23 (3.3 per cent) when compared to March 2006, but in Malta the number went down by 683 (-9.8 per cent).

Among men, occupations related to elementary duties, services and trades were most commonly being sought, whereas women tended to seek jobs that were clerical or service-

oriented.