There were an additional 406 resident jobseekers in July, bringing the figure to 15,668, the National Employment Agency (Adem) said on 20 August.

On the other hand, the number of non-resident jobseekers declined by 7.9%, to 2,457, during the 12 months to July 2019.

The slight rise in jobseekers reflects a rising population and an overall growing labour market.

The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Statec) said the economically active population rose from 279,562 in July 2018 to 287,152 in July 2019. The total number of people working in the grand duchy, including cross-border commuters, increased from 448,764 in July 2018 to 465,818 in July 2019.

Statec also reported that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in July 2019 was 5.5%, the same rate recorded in both May and June 2019, as well as during the May 2018 to August 2018 period.