The number of employed workers in the second quarter of the year stood at almost 51.2 million, an increase of 83,300 against the first quarter and 691,400 against the same period last year, according to the latest employment report from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Meanwhile, 1.07 million people were unemployed during the period, an increase of 25,400 compared to the first quarter.

Unemployment and a lack of job opportunities resulted in an increase in the number of workers receiving unemployment payments in the second quarter. Figures from the Ministry show that 357,513 people applied for unemployment payments in the quarter, up by 152,385 compared to the first quarter.

This brings the total number of people receiving unemployment payments to 518,500.

The Ministry has forecast that some industries are likely to continue letting more workers go in the third quarter, including garments, agriculture, and services and retail.