Unemployed numbers down but trend still up

THE NUMBER of registered unemployed fell in April by 11.0 per cent compared to the previous month, but the seasonally-adjusted figures show an increase of 0.6 per cent, the latest Labour Department study has shown.
The biggest reductions out of the overall fall from 24,336 to 21,633 occurred in the hotels/restaurants category (1,112) and services (1,111), reflecting the start of the tourist season. The seasonal adjustment reflects the fact that the positive effect of tourism sector activity occurred in February/March last year.
Geographically, the biggest reductions occurred in Larnaca/Famagusta districts (1,476) and Nicosia (607).
Comparing April 2010 with April 2009, the number of registered unemployed rose by 5,527 from 16,106 (up 34 per cent). Compared to the same month in the period 2006-8, there was a 95 per cent increase, up from 10,552.
The highest percentage year-on-year increases occurred in Limassol and Paphos districts (both 39 per cent), while the biggest increase in absolute numbers occurred in Larnaca/Famagusta (1,632) and Limassol (1,596) districts.
The trend this year continues to be for higher unemployment among men (11,358) rather than women (10,275) – against the trend in previous years – reflecting the greater impact of the recession on the construction, services (especially local government and real estate) and commerce (wholesale and retail) sectors.
Year-on-year increases occurred in all age groups, and was highest in the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups.

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