RAMALLAH, February 7, 2007 (WAFA) - Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) Wednesday a report on labour force survey results (October-December, 2006) round.

In a press release, PCBS said The survey sample of this round is based on the 1997 census (Updated on 2003), 7,563 households were selected to represent the Palestinian society of which 6,571 questionnaires were completed.

This report is based on the Labour Force quarterly Survey. Data was collected during 7/10/2006 to 5/01/2007, representing the 4th quarter 2006.

According to the report, the 4th quarter 2006 testifying essential changes at the labour market which occurred due to the strike of public employees sector and at the same time the closure of schools, on the opposite side the olive season was prosperous season, which was the only substitute to provide income to the family even as a temporary work, which encourage housewives and students to work at picking olive season, the labour force participation rate increased especially among women against decreased of unemployment rate, also an increased of employed in agriculture sector as unpaid family member and decreased of working hours.

According to the ILO standards, the percentage of participants in labour force increased by 4.1% between the 3rd quarter and the 4th quarter 2006, where it increased from 41.3% in the 3rd quarter 2006 to 43.0% in the 4th quarter 2006, compared with 43.5% in the 3rd quarter 2000.

The report said also the participation rate of women increased from 13.9% in the 3rd quarter 2006 to 17.5% in the 4th quarter 2006, the change rate is 25.9% (the number increased by 40 thousand women).

According to the relaxed definition of unemployment, The percentage of persons who don't work nevertheless seeking or not seeking job, decreased from 30.3% in the 3rd quarter 2006 to 28.4% in the 4th quarter 2006, compared with 20.2% in the 3rd quarter 2000.

The results showed that the highest percentage of unemployment concentrated among the youth, the highest percentage registered for the age group 20-24 it reached 34.8% ,25.9% in the West Bank compared with 51.5% in Gaza Strip, followed by 15-19 age group it reached 31.4%, thereof 22.4% in the West Bank and 56.5% in Gaza Strip, then 25-29 group, it reached 23.8%, 17.1% in the West Bank compared with 36.8% in Gaza Strip.

The results showed that the highest percentage of unemployment concentrated among females who not complete any years of schooling it reached 0.9%. Whereas the percentage reached 29.0% for those whom finished 13 years of schooling and above, and the lowest percentage among males whom finished 13 years of schooling and above it reached 12.4% while the highest percentage registered for those who finished 1-6 years of schooling it reached 31.8%.

A.D (11:26 P) (9:26 GMT)