Pre-Xmas fall in unemployment

Figures from the Treasury show unemployment in the Isle of Man took another tumble last month.

The number of people without work fell by 18 to 735, representing 1.7 per cent of the economically active population.

There were 511 men and 224 women on the register at the end of the month.

A total of 475 vacancies were notified to the Job Centre during November, and at the beginning of December 233 jobs were still unfilled.

The figures suggest some sectors of the economy are suffering more than others at present, with tradesmen, hospitality workers and retail staff accounting for almost half of those looking for work.