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The National Statistics Office has reported that in the second quarter this year, turnover in services activities decreased by 0.1 per cent, while employment increased by 0.1 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2009.

In the second quarter of 2010, turnover in the services sector stood at 108.8 points, down by 0.1 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2009. During this period, wholesale trade declined by 3.6 per cent. Transportation and storage, as well as accommodation and food services activities fell by 1.0 and 0.6 per cent respectively. On the other hand, retail trade rose by 7.6 per cent on account of an 11.0 per cent rise in turnover in the non-food sectors.

The second quarter of 2010 revealed that employment in services increased by 0.1 per cent to 94.8 points. This was due to a 0.2 per cent rise in employment in wholesale trade, a 2.3 per cent rise in transportation and storage. Increases in professional, scientific and technical activities and in information and communication were recorded, of 5.3 and 2.7 per cent respectively. Declines in employment were observed in the accommodation and food services activities (-2.0 per cent), the non-food retail sector (-2.0 per cent) and in administrative and support services activities (-4.2 per cent).

Gross wages and salaries in the services sector decreased by 0.4 per cent over the corresponding period last year. Decreases were recorded in accommodation and food services activities (-4.0 per cent), wholesale trade (-3.1 per cent) and information and communication services (-3.7 per cent). The decline in these sectors was partly offset by increases in retail trade, transportation and storage, and professional, scientific and technical activities of 4.1, 2.6 and 7.3 per cent respectively.

Overall in the services sector, no growth was recorded in total hours worked when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2009. Increases in hours worked were registered in wholesale trade (+4.4 per cent) and in trasportation and storage (+9.1 per cent). On the other hand, declines were observed in retail trade (-4.8 per cent) and accommodation and food services activities (-6.0 per cent.