16/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - In the first quarter of 2010, employment in the euro area remained stable and fell by 0.2% in the EU27. These figures were down 1.2% and 1.5% respectively compared with the first quarter of 2009. According to seasonally adjusted figures, in the fourth quarter of 2009, employment declined by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU27. Falls in employment were recorded in manufacturing (down 1.0% in the euro area and 1.2% in the EU27) and construction (down 1.5% and -2.3% respectively). Trade, transport and communication services remained stable in the euro area, but decreased by 0.2% in the EU27. Financial services and business activities increased by 0.5% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU27. Eurostat estimates that, in the first quarter of 2010, 220.5 million men and women were employed in the EU27, 144.3 million of whom were in the euro area. For further information, go to: http: //ec.europa.eu/eurostat (G.B./transl.rt)