Unemployment rate in Gozo drops to 6.9%

Gozo minister Anton Refalo said that according to NSO statistics, the unemployment rate in Gozo had dropped from 7.1% in 2012 to 6.9% in 2014.

“The number of registered unemployed in Gozo has dropped to 639 in August 2015, from 742 at the end of the previous administration,” Refalo said, adding that this presented a 14%  improvement.

Refalo was speaking during his visit of Keen and M.Meilak & Associates, two Rabat based companies, where he also urged companies to embark on more entrepreneurial initiatives of the kind to further grow their companies.

A statement issued by the ministry explained that Keen, founded by graphic designer John Falzon in 2009, is oriented mostly on information technology and advertising.

“The company, which already emplys 12 people, is investing in new offices in Xewkija to increase the company’s workload and employ up to 40 new people,” Falzon said.

Meilak and associates manager Malcolm Meilak said that the company, which currently employs some six professionals, specializes in accounting services.

“Companies like these are ideal for Gozo,” Refalo said adding that full time employment had increased by 8% during 2013/2014.

Refalo said that Malta Enterprise was giving a 45% tax credit to new companies and that Gozitan enterprises would be giving an additional 25%.

“These companies are in line with the government’s aims to improve the economy of Gozo,” Refalo said urging the companies to expand and invest in their work.