The number of persons 16-74 years old in the labour force in the 2nd quarter of 2018 was 205,400 corresponding to an activity rate of 83.0%. The number of employed persons was 198,100 while unemployed persons were 7,300. The employment rate was 80.0% and the unemployment rate 3.6%. From the 2nd quarter of 2017 the number of employed persons increased by 2.900 but the employment rate decreased by 1.5 percentage points. At the same time the number of unemployed increased slightly or by 300 and unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points. The unemployment rate among females was 3.2% and 3.9% among males.
Persons are classified as unemployed when they have no employment, are actively seeking a job and could start working within two weeks or have found a job which starts within three months. Students who are not employed and fulfil this criteria are considered unemployed. People are classified as working (employed) if they worked one hour or more in the reference week or were absent from work they usually carry out.
Average working hours
In the 2nd quarter of 2018 the average number of persons at work in the reference week was 180,100, or 72.8% of the population 16–74 years old and 90.9% of all in employment. The average number of working hours for those at work was 40.4 hours, 44.5 hours for those in full-time employment and 24.8 hours for those in part-time employment.
Labour market statistics, 2nd quarter 2018 - Statistical Series