The Opposition welcomes the latest statistics on the number of persons gainfully occupied. In a statement, the Nationalist Party said these statistics show that full-time employment increased by 4.3% largely as a result of a 5.5% increase in full-time employment by the private sector.

The Opposition noted however that the public sector headcount increased again by over 500 persons between March of last year and the corresponding month this year and again surpassed the 44,000 mark. 

While recognising that the public sector ratio of employment to total employment has fallen from 27% to 26.2%, the Opposition calls on government to ensure that the private sector continues to be the driving force behind the Maltese economy and that public sector employment is kept in check.

The statement was issued by PN deputy leader Mario de Marco.