The level of employment in the financial sector in Bahrain grew during 2009 by 1.5 per cent, new data reveal.

Figures from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) revealed the number of people working in the sector increased last year to 14,137 compared with 13,922 at the end of 2008.

Non-bank financial business drove the market, with new finance jobs up by 19.6 per cent, while employment dipped slightly among banks, the annual survey from the public corporate entity showed.

"These figures are a testimony that despite the global financial crisis, the Bahraini financial services sector was able to continue to create additional jobs during the last year," a spokesperson for the bank stated.

According to the CBB representative, fiscal policies have helped the kingdom to weather the economic downturn.

Those seeking finance jobs in the Middle East may also be interested to note that the Economic Development Council of the 37th Arab Labour Conference discussed measures to increase labor market growth in the region by 2020 during talks on March 7th.