In February, the number of persons registering for work stood at 1,659, decreasing by 9.3 per cent when compared to the corresponding month in 2019, the NSO said today.

Data provided by Jobsplus for February 2020 indicate a decline of 158 persons registering under Part I and a decrease of 12 among those registering under Part II of the unemployment register, when compared to the same month last year.

Registered unemployed increased amongst those aged 24 years or less, whilst there was a drop among persons aged 25 years or more.

Those registering for work between 21 and 52 weeks and those registering for more than one year, decreased when compared to February 2019 levels. The largest decrease was recorded among persons who had been registering for more than one year. On the other hand, those who had been registering for work for less than 21 weeks, increased when compared to the same month last year. The number of persons with a disability who were registering for work increased by 22 when compared to the previous year, reaching 237.

Males accounted for 70.5 per cent of total registrants with a disability. The largest share of males and females on the unemployment register sought occupations as clerical support workers, with 20.2 per cent and 39.5 per cent respectively.