Jobless number jumps to 41,625

THE jobless rate jumped 26.5 per cent year-on-year in December, reaching 41,625 people, the statistical service said yesterday.

Based on the seasonally adjusted data that show the trend of unemployment, the number of registered unemployed for December 2012 rose to 40,184 persons compared with 39,116 the previous month. 

The annual rise was mainly observed in the sectors of trade – 1,960 people — accommodation and food service activities, 1,506, construction, 1,440, manufacturing, 755, and public administration, 519. 

Unemployment also rose among newcomers in the labour market where an increase of 674 people was recorded.

The average number of the registered unemployed for the year 2012 reached 36,362 people compared with 28,276 in 2011 — a 28.6 per cent rise.

Unemployment is expected to reach 13.8 per cent this year and will peak at 14.2 per cent in 2014 before dropping a year later.

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