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9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 17 APRIL 2024 NEWS This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author's view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action. THE results of the newly re- leased EU poll on social Europe show why the European Parlia- ment should reject proposed fiscal rules that would reimpose austerity. The Eurobarometer released today shows nine in ten Europe- an citizens say a social Europe is of personal importance to them, with wages and healthcare fea- turing high among their priori- ties. The poll comes in the same week that the ETUC published a study showing how the proposed fiscal rules, which will be voted on by plenary on April 22, would prevent Europe from taking ac- tion on social issues. It shows the majority of mem- ber states will not be able to meet the EU's own investment targets in hospitals, housing, schools or climate action if the new rules are adopted. The ETUC is instead calling on MEPs to support the 12 pri- orities in its European election manifesto which will deliver a fair deal for workers. Commenting on the Euroba- rometer on social Europe, ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said: "This poll shows clearly that citizens want a social Europe and MEPs must ensure that it is still possible to deliver on their priorities by rejecting a return to austerity." "One of the key findings of this poll is that citizens want im- provements to healthcare but our research shows the majority of countries would not be able to invest in hospitals under the proposed fiscal rules. "The poll also shows wages and the cost-of-living is another key concern and we know from previous experience that auster- ity leads to poverty pay and in- creased inequality. "Adopting rules that would stop Europe addressing the pri- orities of its citizens is a recipe for another avoidable economic and social crisis, and would be a gift to the far-right on the eve of the European elections. "Europe doesn't need to go back down this road. There is an alternative – a social Europe which delivers a fair deal for workers – and this must be an option for voters in June. "Members of the European Parliament should back the bet- ter, social Europe that citizens want to see." EU poll shows MEPs must reject austerity 2.0 ADMINISTRATIVE data provided by Jobsplus shows that, over a period of one year, the labour supply (excluding part-timers) increased by 7.6 per cent, reaching 283,596. This was mainly attributed to a year- on-year increase in the full-time reg- istered employment (20,125) and a decrease in registered unemployment (67). During November 2023, Adminis- trative and support service activities (NACE 77-82, 3,639) and Accommoda- tion and food service activities (NACE 55-56, 3,660) contributed mostly to the increase in full-time employment, when compared to November 2022. Registered full-time employment in the private sector went up by 19,711 persons to 230,847. Public sector full- time employment increased by 414 per- sons to 51,799. The number of persons registered as full-time self-employed rose by 834 when compared to November 2022, while the number of persons registered as employees increased by 19,291. Full-time employment for males and females went up by 7.9 per cent and 7.3 per cent, respectively over 2022 levels. Registered part-time employment Registered part-time employment in November 2023 increased by 6.4 per cent when compared to the correspond- ing month in 2022. The sectors that contributed most- ly to the overall increase were Profes- sional, scientific and technical activities (NACE 69-75, 749) followed by Trans- portation and storage sector (NACE 49- 53, 547). The number of part-timers who also held a full-time job amounted to 41,562 up by 8.3 per cent, when compared to the corresponding month in 2022. Employed persons whose part-time job was their primary occupation to- talled 33,959 up by 4.0 per cent when compared to the same month in 2022. Full-time employment up 7.7% in November 2023 In November 2023, the number of persons registered as full-time self-employed rose by 834 when compared to November 2022, while the number of persons registered as employees increased by 19,291