Registered unemployment drops in May

The number of unemployed registered at the District Labour Offices on the last day of May 2007 fell by 592 people compared with May 2006 to 10,802 people.

Compared with April, number fell by 617, as unemployment fell in the sectors of hotels and restaurants, public administration and transport.

In the period January to May, registered unemployment has fallen by 413 to 13,013.

The main sectors recording a fall have been manufacturing (down by 325), construction (down by 195), and wholesale and retail trade (down by 142).

Registered unemployment among public-sector workers rose by 193 people in the same period, but these are probably all retirees, who are entitled to six months unemployment benefit upon retirement.