Administrative labour market data indicate that in December 2006 the number of people gainfully employed full-time rose by 766, while the number of those unemployed fell by 218, compared to December 2005, according to the National Statistics Office.

Labour market data for December 2006 provided by the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) indicate that the labour supply increased by 548 people over the same month in the preceding year. The number of those gainfully employed full-time rose by 766 people, whereas the number of those registered unemployed fell by 218.

Full-time employment

A comparison between the data for December 2005 and December 2006 indicates that, among the sectors that accounted for the increase in employment in December 2006, the principal ones were business activities, construction and the manufacture of electronic components. Sectors registering falls in employment included transport, storage and communication, the manufacture of textiles and public administration.

With specific reference to the private sector, there was an increase in employment in real estate, renting and business activities. This sector includes accounting and auditing activities, business and management consultancy, holding companies, architectural and engineering activities, advertising, security activities, industrial cleaning and call centres.

In addition, growth in employment occurred in community, social and personal services activities. This includes betting companies and entertainment activities, among other services.

Part-time employment

According to administrative sources, the number of people in part-time employment rose by 3,475 between December 2005 and December 2006. Of this number, for 1,488 people their part-time job is their secondary occupation and for 1,987 it is their primary occupation.

Apprentices, trainees and students

In December 2006, the number of apprentices, students and trainees fell by 19.1 per cent over the same month in the preceding year.