Malta’s labour supply continued its upward trend in early 2025, with Jobsplus administrative data showing a 3.4% increase year-on-year, reaching a total of 295,324 active individuals (excluding part-timers), according to the latest National Statistics Office (NSO) report. The growth was primarily fuelled by a rise in full-time employment and a marginal drop in unemployment.
Private sector leads employment surge
The largest gains came from the private sector, which added 7,865 full-time workers, pushing the total to 240,275. The public sector also saw growth, albeit more modestly, with an increase of 1,962 workers, bringing its total to 53,974.
Employment gains were strongest in Wholesale and retail trade and Human health and social work activities, which added 1,602 and 1,308 jobs respectively over the 12-month period.
Full-time self-employment rose by 831, while the number of employees climbed by 8,996, indicating strong employer demand. Notably, female employment grew faster than male, up 4.2% compared to 3.0%, continuing a steady shift in gender workforce dynamics.
Part-time work on the rise
Part-time employment also surged, rising by 8.0% year-on-year in February 2025. Growth was driven mainly by Accommodation and food services (+1,054) and Professional, scientific and technical activities (+737).
Of note, part-timers with full-time jobs increased by 9.7%, totalling 45,821, while those with part-time work as their primary role rose by 5.9% to 34,989 – a sign that multi-job holding is becoming increasingly common.
Job market outlook: Strong but shifting
The slight decline in registered unemployment (down by just 21 people) suggests that the job market remains near full employment, but the rising share of part-time and multiple-job holders may point to changing employment patterns, driven by flexibility or cost of living pressures.
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