A meeting chaired by Minister of Employment & Social Security Mr. Andreas Moushiouttas was held yesterday, which examined issues concerning unemployment in Cyprus. Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Moushiouttas stated that from a total of 9.500 unemployed in 2001, 52% were women, with the majority of unemployed overall being between 15 to 24 years of age. Unemployment for 2001 equalled 3%, slightly lower than 3.4% for 2000. According to European Union methods for calculating unemployment levels however, for 2000 figures for Cyprus were 4.9% and for 2001 3.9%.

According to the Ministry’s report, the Limassol region has the highest percentage of unemployed, followed by Paphos, Nicosia and lastly Larnaca and the Famagusta region. The report also notes an increase of foreign workers.

Mr. Moushiouttas attributed the reduction of unemployment figures to the satisfactory indicators of the economy and high growth rates.