The number of people registering for work reached 6,351 last month, a decrease of 308 persons when compared to the same month last year but an increase of 255 over September. The increase is believed to result mainly from workers leaving Malta Shipyards.
The NSO said that in Malta alone, the registered unemployed amounted to 5,663 persons, whereas in Gozo these amounted to 688.
In the 12 months to October 2008, Malta saw unemployment drop by 323, although it grew by 15 in Gozo.
All age groups showed a decline in the number of registered unemployed, except those aged over 45.
The main occupations sought by the unemployed related to elementary duties and tradeswork for men whereas women tended to seek jobs which were clerical or service-oriented data.