Cyprus unemployment up 1.3% in January

The number of unemployed persons registered at the District Labour Offices on the last day of January 2010, reached 23,645 persons, according to the Statistical Service.
Based on the seasonally adjusted data the number of registered unemployed reached 19,897 persons in January recording an increase of 1.3% compared to the previous month.
However, the trend that was rising in recent months is now showing signs of stabilisation.
In comparison with January 2009, an increase of 7,859 persons or 49.8% was recorded.
This was mainly observed in the sectors of construction (an increase of 1,757), public administration (an increase of 1,387), retail and wholesale trade (an increase of 1,193), hotels and restaurants (of 1,010), real estate and business activities (675), manufacturing (611), as well as newcomers in the labour market where an increase of 382 unemployed persons was recorded.