4.3 Age of Working forceThe age-distribution of Maltese-born in the labour force shows a curious distribution pattern compared to the average Australian workforce. The number below 24 years of age is insignificant, and most of the Maltese-born are in the 35-44 age group: the proportion of Maltese of this age group in the labour force (43%) is twice that of the average Australian labour force (23%). This unusual pattern no doubt represents the migration pattern. There are hardly any new migrants arriving in recent years, and the bulge in the 35-44 age group represents the large number of families with children who migrated in the 1950s and 60s. It is also curious to notice that the number of workers in the 55 and over age group is insignificant, indicating that most Maltese workers have retired by this time. This is in marked contrast to either the Australian or average overseas-born, where the participation rate is still significant at 55 years of age (about 60% for males and 25% for females), and falls fairly rapidly thereafter. (Castles, 1989 p 28). Number of Hours workedThe average number of hours worked per week was 40.9, which is slightly less than the average Australian (42.7 hours) and European born (42.9) and much less than some other ethnic groups (e.g. Greek 47.4 hours, Lebanese 46.5 hours) (Labour Force Survey 1987). Source: Maurice N. Cauchi - Maltese Migrants in Australia, Malta 1990
    
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