Cyprus has one of the best employment performances in EU

Cyprus had, by the end of 2008, one of the best performances in the EU in the field of employment and fulfilled the aims set for 2010 within the framework of the Lisbon Strategy.

The figures are included in the Commission report entitled “Employment in Europe” that was published on Monday which shows that the current crisis is taking its toll on EU labour markets, reversing most of the employment growth achieved since 2000.

Men, young people, the low-skilled and workers on temporary contracts have borne the brunt of the employment contraction. Employment in the EU has shrunk by over 4 million jobs since the start of the crisis.

Employment in Cyprus was in the range of 70,9% with a community aim at 2010 of 70%. In women, employment in Cyprus was 62.9% with a community aim of 60% and in people aged 55-64 it was 54.8% with a community aim of 50%.