Sharp fall in unemployment

The Balearics registered the sharpest fall in unemployment last month with the number of people out of work dropping by just under 25 per cent. In real terms, there are 6.110 less people claiming social security benefit. The number of unemployed fell in all of Spain's autonomous communities and Prime Minister Aznar said yesterday that the economy is clearly growing with more jobs being created and no grounds for the general strike. The sharp turn around in the Balearic job market has been welcomed by local economists after the region has posted some record increases over the winter. However, many will be on seasonal and part time contracts and some areas of the hotel sector are already considering reducing their work force if the number of bookings does not pick up over the next few months. As it is, some of the largest complexes are urging their staff to take early holidays while there is a lull in business.