Amongst the 28 EU member states, Malta recorded the highest increase in employment when compared to the previous quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2017, employment increased by 1.6 per cent in the euro area when compared with the same quarter of the previous year.

According to the Labour Force Survey for the fourth quarter of 2017, estimates indicate an increase of 5.1 per cent in employment when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2016. Total employment stood at 203,651, accounting to more than half the population aged 15 and over.

Amongst other budget measures, free childcare centres, free before and after school services, enhanced maternity leave, and benefit rates and tax credits for women entering the labour force contributed to a 3.8 percentage point increase in female employment, reaching 56.7 per cent in 2017.

PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR FINANCE

The employment rate for males also increased by 2.4 percentage points, reaching 81.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2017.

On average, out of every 100 persons aged between 15 and 64 years, 69 were employed.

The majority of employed persons worked on a full-time basis, while 27,173 had a part-time job as their primary employment. Self-employed persons accounted for 13.6 per cent of all persons with a main job.

The significant increase in employment contributed to a low unemployment rate of 3.7 per cent in the fourth quarter.

“I am pleased to note that Malta’s economic growth is indeed being enjoyed by all as confirmed by the robust increase in the levels of employment”, stated Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna.

-28th March, 2018