Cyprus unemployment leaps by over one-third in March

Registered unemployment in Cyprus leapt in March by more than one third over with the same month of 2008.
In March the total number of unemployed persons registered at the District Labour Offices on the last day of March 2009 reached 16,806 persons, a rise of 4,612 or 37.8% compared with the 12,194 recorded in March 2008.
Compared with February, there was an increase of 423 persons.
The increase in unemployment was widespread. There was an increase of 1,480 in the construction sector, 816 in wholesale and retail trade, 627 in hotels and restaurants, 555 in real estate and business activities, 397 in manufacturing and 205 in transport.
The number of newcomers registered was 800.