Unemployment follows normal pattern

The number of people unemployed in the Isle of Man fell last month.

The total went down by 33 to 947, which represents 2.2% of the economically active population.

Of the total 656 were men and 291 women.

During the month 254 people signed on the unemployment register and 287 signed off.

The Treasury says the number of unemployed traditionally falls in March as labour demand picks up after winter, and this year's fall is in line with the average March reduction over the past ten years.

There were 646 vacancies notified to the job centre during March, the highest number of jobs available since September last year, with opportunities in the retail and hospitality sectors to the fore.

At the end of the month 341 positions were still vacant and held on file.