The number of unemployed persons in Cyprus set a new record in December 2012, reaching 41.625.

According to the Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus, the unemployed persons, registered at the District Labour Offices on the last day of December 2012, reached 41.625 persons.

Based on the seasonally adjusted data that show the trend of unemployment, the number of registered unemployed for December 2012 increased to 40.184 persons compared with 39.116 in the previous month.

In comparison with December 2011, an increase of 8.730 persons or 26.5% was recorded. The increase was mainly observed in the sectors of trade (an increase of 1.960 unemployed persons), accommodation and food service activities (an increase of 1.506), construction (an increase of 1.440), manufacturing (an increase of 755), public administration (an increase of 519). Unemployment also increased among newcomers in the labour market where an increase of 674 unemployed persons was recorded.

The average number of the registered unemployed for the year 2012 reached 36.362 persons compared to 28.276 persons for 2011 recording an increase of 28.6%.