The latest figures from the Ministry of Employment showed that in March, the number of unemployed fell by 0.51% m/m or 13,311 people, to 2,580,138 people, while economists had expected a decline of 2,500. It was the lowest figure for March since 2008. On an annual basis, the number of unemployed decreased by 146,865 people or by 5,39%.
Compared to February, the number of unemployed decreased in the services (14,461 or -0.77%), industry (-1,498 or -0.75%), construction (-909 or -0.48%) and in the agriculture sector (-93 or -0.11%). The increase in unemployment was recorded in the group with no previous employment (+3,650 or +1.53%).
Unemployment among women fell by 9,176 or 0.59% m/m, to 1,553,778, while unemployment among men decreased by 4,135 or 0.40% m/m, to 1,026,360. Unemployment among youth under the age of 25 increased by 2,638 people or 1.35% compared to February, to 197,524.