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Registered unemployment in Malta increased in March 2026, with 1,287 persons registering for work, up from 1,057 in March 2025. This corresponds to a year-on-year rise of 230 individuals, or approximately 21.8%, according to data provided by Jobsplus and published by the National Statistics Office.

The increase was mainly driven by persons listed under Part I of the unemployment register, which includes new job seekers, re-entrants into the labour market and individuals made redundant by former employers. Registrations under Part I rose by 244 persons, while those under Part II decreased by 14 persons. In March 2026, males accounted for 65.1% of total registered unemployed persons, with 838 individuals, while females represented 34.9%, with 449 individuals.

Registered unemployment increased across all age groups. The largest annual rise was recorded among persons aged 25 to 29, whose number increased from 74 in March 2025 to 130 in March 2026. The largest group in absolute terms remained persons aged 45 and over, with 479 registered unemployed individuals, followed by those aged 30 to 44, with 421 persons.

By duration of registration, the strongest increase was observed among those registered for under 21 weeks, which rose by 133 persons, from 660 in March 2025 to 793 in March 2026. Registrations lasting between 21 and 52 weeks also increased, reaching 291 persons, compared with 193 one year earlier. Long-term registration, covering those registered for more than one year, remained broadly stable, decreasing slightly from 204 to 203 persons.

The number of persons with a disability registering for work decreased over the same period, falling from 222 in March 2025 to 206 in March 2026. Males made up 68.4% of this group, while females accounted for 31.6%.

In terms of occupations sought, clerical support work remained the most common category among registered unemployed persons. In March 2026, this occupation was sought by 24.8% of male registrants and 39.4% of female registrants. Overall, 385 persons, or 29.9% of total registrants, were looking for clerical support roles.

The NSO notes that these figures refer to persons registering for work with Jobsplus. They should not be confused with unemployment statistics based on the Labour Force Survey, as the two sources measure different aspects of unemployment and are not directly comparable.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY NSO
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