45% of Businesses in Malta Face Employee Shortage

Jul 17 2024

45 % of Malta’s SMEs have stated that employee shortage is the most important issue they are facing, according to a study compiled by the Malta Chamber of SMEs and MISCO.

The SME Barometer, which is a quarterly survey which provides insight into economic trends, business sentiment and the state of small and medium sized- enterprises in Malta, was conducted by the Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with MISCO.

The survey had a total of 372 respondents, and was conducted between the 5th – 15th July 2024, with a 4.9% margin of error. The majority of respondents(51%) were business that had one to nine employees, 30% having 10-49, 16% with more than 50+ employees, and 3% having 249 employees and more.

One of the main questions, SMEs were asked what the two most important issues that their business is currently facing are, with employee shortage coming out on top. This indicates that, after being surpassed by worries about an increase in inflation, this issue has taken the top rank among those that require attention. In the first quarter of 2024, the percentage of SMEs pointing towards increase in inflation as one of their primary concerns which stood at 28%. Where as in the recent study it was revealed that it has decreased to 22%.

Employee shortage in particular was a concern as it has increased up to 45% in the small and medium-sized business sector. Other top issues that were identified by SMEs include Unfair Competition (25%), Issues with Late Payments (18%) , and Lower Client Demand ( 17%).

In recent years, companies worldwide, including Malta, have encountered difficulties locating qualified employees due tot tight labour circumstances being fuelled by skills shortages and rising wage demands.

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Fosos left Spotless After Isle of MTV Concert

Jul 17 2024

Following a massive Isle of MTV concert organized by Malta Tourism Authority, MTV, G7 events last night, the swift intervention of the Cleaning and Maintenance Division played a crucial role in restoring the venue to its spotless state.

The dedicated team from the Cleaning and Maintenance Division sprang into action immediately after the event concluded. Working for four hours overnight, they cleaned, washed, and collected waste from the roads surrounding the concert venue. Their efforts were focused so that the public could once again enjoy a pristine environment.

The swift and thorough cleanup ensured that the area was safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike, highlighting the essential role of the Cleaning and Maintenance Division in managing large-scale public events.

Credits: Ramon Deguara

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1.8 Million Passengers Cross Malta and Gozo in 3 Months

Jul 17 2024

A notable increase in trips between Malta and Gozo was observed from April to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Over 11,000 sea crossings were made between the two islands during this period, carrying nearly 1.8 million passengers. The highest number of trips occurred in May, totaling about 4,000, which accounts for 35% of the trips in the three-month period.

The Mġarr to Ċirkewwa route experienced a slight decrease in passenger numbers, with just over 1.5 million passengers, compared to the second quarter of 2023. However, a 2% increase was noted in the number of vehicles transported, reaching over half a million.

The busiest days for passenger and vehicle traffic from Ċirkewwa were Friday and Saturday, as indicated by traffic patterns, while Saturday and Sunday were the busiest for passengers from Mġarr. Vehicle traffic from Mġarr was highest on Sundays and Mondays.

The Mġarr to Valletta fast ferry route saw an increase in both trips and passengers. Over 2,000 trips were made in the second quarter of 2024, indicating a 5% increase compared to the same three months in 2023. Passenger numbers on this route surged by almost 40%, totaling 252,960 passengers.

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RAYE Reunites With Long-Time Fan at Isle of MTV 2024

Jul 17 2024

During a jaw-dropping performance at yesterday’s Isle of MTV concert at Fosos, Floriana, RAYE created a heartwarming moment by reuniting with a long-time fan. Midway through her set, the singer spotted a familiar face in the front row. The fan, Laura, was holding up a phone displaying a photo of herself with RAYE from the 2017 Isle of MTV, when RAYE first performed in Malta.

Visibly impressed, RAYE paused her performance to acknowledge the photo. She invited Laura to show her the photo once again, creating an emotional reunion that definitely struck a chord with the crowd. The moment was filled with smiles and tears as RAYE exchanged a few wholesome words in between the set of hits. She complimented Laura on how much she had grown up since their last encounter.

After the brief interaction, RAYE continued her performance with renewed energy, delivering her award-winning tracks to an enthusiastic audience.

Yesterday’s Isle of MTV welcomed a massive crowd of over 35,000 at Floriana, headlined by global superstars DJ Snake, RAYE and Nelly Furtado alongside a host of beloved Maltese acts for a memorable 16th edition of Europe’s biggest free summer music festival.

Did you attend Isle of MTV?

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