Substantial increase in female workforce participation

During the second quarter of this year, female participation in the labour market has increased by three percentage points when compared to the same period last year.

The employed women were mostly engaged in other service activities, which include jobs in the Public administration, Education, the Health sector, and Other Community, Social and Personal service activities.

On the other hand, male participation has decreased by one percentage point. According to the National Statistics Office, the activity rate for the quarter under review was estimated at 63%. The highest activity rate was recorded among the 25 to 54-year-old age group at 77%.

The survey estimates indicated that nearly half of the population aged 15 and over was employed (171,728) during the second quarter of 2012.

On the other hand, there were 11,977 (3%) unemployed persons, while 173,981 persons (49%) were inactive.

The employment rate for the second quarter of 2012 was estimated at 59%, with the 25-54 age bracket recording the highest rate.

The largest share of employed men, 33%, was engaged in wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and household goods, hotels and restaurants and transport and communication.

The largest share of employed persons was engaged in service-oriented jobs. This category includes occupations such as hairdressers, waiters and salespersons.

Service-oriented occupations prevailed among female workers reaching 22% while, at 16 per cent, men were mostly engaged in craft-related jobs.

In terms of professional status, self-employed accounted for 14% of the total work force. The majority of employed persons, 148,438 or 86%, were working on a full-time basis.

On the other hand, 23,290 were engaged in part-time jobs or were working on full-time with reduced hours.

During the period under review, the average gross annual salary of employees was estimated at €15,480.

This amount refers to the basic salary and excludes extra payments such as overtime, bonuses and allowances. The highest average gross annual salary for employees was recorded in financial, real estate, renting and business activities.

Results of the Survey also revealed that Legislators, Senior Officials and Managerial grades had an average annual salary of €23,168.

The unemployment rate for the period under review was estimated at 6.5% and ranged from 6.5 per cent among males to 6.6 per cent among females.

Nearly half of these persons stated that they had been seeking work for 12 months or more.

The largest share of unemployed persons was recorded among persons aged 15-24.