Slovenia's labour force was estimated at 883,933 in May, down 1.4% year-on-year, after dropping by an annual 0.9% in April, the country's statistical office said on Thursday.

On a monthly comparison basis, the number of employed decreased 0.2% in May after shrinking 1.2% in April, the statistical office said in a statement.

The monthly drop was sharpest in manufacturing, while accommodation and food service activities recorded the biggest growth.

In manufacturing, the number of persons in employment fell by 1,200 through the month to some 202,600.

In accommodation and food services, the number of employed rose by some 500 to just over 34,100.

Overall, the number of people in paid employment fell by a monthly 1.2% and by an annual 1.7% in May to 789,804, while the number of self-employed edged up 0.1% on the month and rose 1.7% on the year to 94,129.

Slovenia has a population of around two million.