Cyprus unemployment ends 28% higher in 2011

Registered unemployment ended the year 28% higher than a year earlier in 2011, according to the latest figures from the Statistical Service.
The number of unemployed persons registered at the District Labour Offices on the last day of December 2011 reached 32,895 persons, marking an increase of 7,202.
The main sectors hit were wholesale and retail trade (an increase of 1,585), construction (1,352), accommodation and food service activities (1,224), manufacturing (969) and public administration (426).
There was also an increase of 437 in newcomers to the labour market.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the trend in December was still upwards, rising to 31,432 in Decemberm from 30,991 in November.
The average number of the registered unemployed for the year 2011 rose by 23.8% to 28,276, from 22,842 persons in 2010.