MCESD attends National Employment Policy launch

The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) yesterday morning attended a business breakfast themed ‘The National Employment Policy 2021-2030’ organised by the Ministry for Finance and Employment.

Dr Stephanie Fabri gave a detailed analysis on the labour force in general and wage income distribution.

In 2020, the total Maltese population stood at 514,564 of which 350,356 were aged between 15 and 64, making up the working age population.

Interestingly, half of the Maltese population were registered employed, including 5,263 whom were 65+. The total labour force in 2020 stood at 272,109 or 52.9% of the total population. The rest, 4.6% were outside the labour force due to education, 30.9% were inactive due to retirement and another 10.8% were inactive despite them falling within the working age population. The remaining 0.8% were part of the potential additional labour force.

Minister for Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana highlighted that there were many challenges in the past tied to employment and the expense tied to child care services.

He added that the rate of those benefiting from social benefits decreased from 16,000 to 5,000 as a result of the present Government’s work.

“It was not easy to bring about change,” he said, citing persons with a disability in the workforce as an example. “This was a major challenge when we launched Jobs+ but we doubled the rate of persons with a disability entering the workforce as we believed we can do achieve such results.

The Minister also spoke about free childcare for all and how it changed the aspect tied to working parents.

MCESD chairperson James H. Pearsall, Executive Secretary Adriana Chircop, Media Officer Duncan Barry and MCESD Council members comprising of representatives from employment organisations and trade unions, were among those present for the launch.