Despite recent problems within a number of European Union (EU) member states, the region saw employment growth of 0.3 per cent during the second quarter of 2011 compared with the first.

This is according to new figures from statistical agency Eurostat, which reported that year-on-year expansion of jobs for the three months was 0.3 per cent across the 27 nations.

Trade, transport and communication services witnessed the biggest climb in employment, of 1.2 per cent, while financial services and business activities boosted hiring by 0.5 per cent and manufacturing positions remained stable.

The Eurostat estimates placed the number of people in work within the EU27 at 223.4 million over the second quarter of this year on a seasonally-adjusted basis, with jobs data in line with national input and output measures.

A call has been issued by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to national governments, urging them to do more to combat rising youth unemployment and long-term joblessness in particular.

Posted by Alex Donnell