The year ended quite strongly, with fourth quarter growth of 0.6% after a third quarter increase of 1.5%, according to Statec, the national statistics bureau.

Different sectors had different fortunes. The workforce in administration and other public services was up 5%, construction employment rose 3.5% and there were 1.4% more financial sector workers, Statec said on 25 March 2021.

There was decline of 1.3% in manufacturing and 1.1% in the retail, transport, accommodation and catering sector.