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Unemployment in Cyprus reached 23,645 in January, an increase of 1.3% compared with December 2009.
 

Jobless in Paphos is now at a record 10% according to SEK Paphos general secretary, Neofytos Xenofontos, although the official figures put unemployment at 7% in the town.
 

Xenofontos said the real number was much higher than the official figures because seasonal workers such as hotel staff are not included.
 

Unemployment figures are only recorded for people claiming unemployment benefit, after six months benefit payment is stopped even though the person is still unemployed.
 

Xenofontos called on the Government to increase the benefit payment period from six months to either nine or twelve months.
 

The main employment sectors in Paphos are construction and hotels, which have been badly hit by the economic crisis.
 

Pressure is been applied to encourage the public works projects earmarked for the town to begin immediately. This would create much needed employment in the town.
 

It is not just the construction industry that is suffering. ‘For Rent’ and ‘For Sale’, ‘Closing Down’, ‘Everything must Go’ signs are appearing everywhere.  
 

The once very popular ‘Bar Street’ where bars and pubs would stay open all year are now closed with no indication of when they will be re-opening.
 

Paphos has always been a popular destination for British tourists particularly for winter sun holidays, the economic crisis in Britian has dramatically reduced visitor numbers for this year.
 
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