Employment increases slightly

Total employment increased slightly, by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the corresponding quarter of 2020, while there was a decrease of 3.6% in actual hours worked, compared to the same period last year.

According to the Statistical Service’s provisional estimate, total employment for the first quarter of 2021 is estimated at 433,486 persons, of which 383,380 are employees and 50,106 are self-employed.

The most significant percentage increases were observed in the economic activities of Information and Communication (NACE J), Education (NACE P), Professional, Scientific Technical Activities (NACE Μ) while significant percentage decreases were observed in the economic activities of Transportation and Storage (NACE H) and Other Service Activities (NACE S).

Actual hours worked for the first quarter of 2021 are estimated at 187,108 thousands; a decrease of 3.6% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2020.

The most significant percentage decreases were observed in the economic activities of Accommodation and Food Service Activities (NACE I), Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (NACE R) and Other Service Activities (NACE S) while significant percentage increases were observed in the economic activities of Information and Communication (NACE J), Education (NACE P) and Human Health and Social Work Activities (NACE Q).